Data Center Opponents Urge County To Let 2,100-Acre Project Die After Court Ruling

The future of the extensive PW Digital Gateway data center project in Prince William County, Virginia, faces significant uncertainty after a Virginia appeals court affirmed a lower court's decision to void a critical county rezoning. This ruling deals a major blow to the project, which aims to develop dozens of data centers across more than 2,000 acres, including planned campuses by Blackstone subsidiary QTS and Compass Datacenters, envisioning 34 buildings and 1.7 gigawatts of capacity. Since its proposal in 2021, the project has met fierce local opposition from environmental and community groups, such as the Civic Association of Brentsville and Surrounding Areas, the Oak Valley Homeowners Association, and the American Battlefield Trust. Opponents have consistently voiced concerns about the environmental impact of large-scale industrial infrastructure and accused the Prince William County Board of Supervisors of circumventing public meeting laws during a December 2023 hearing that approved the land use changes. Virginia Circuit Court Judge Kimberly Irving initially voided the rezoning in August, a decision unanimously upheld by appellate judges last week. David Duncan, president of the American Battlefield Trust, criticized the county for allegedly rushing the approval process without proper public notice. Despite the county incurring an estimated $1.6 million in legal costs, officials retain the option to appeal to the Virginia Supreme Court. However, opposition groups are strongly advocating for the Board of Supervisors to cease further legal action, which would effectively terminate the controversial project. Nicole Brown, Prince William County director of communications, confirmed that the county attorney is reviewing the decision and will provide legal advice to the Board, noting that the litigation remains active due to the 30-day appeal window. The outcome of the county's decision on whether to appeal will determine the ultimate fate of the PW Digital Gateway.