The battle over data centers isn’t just about data centers, but they’re the battleground we have

The battle over data centers isn’t just about data centers, but they’re the battleground we have

News ClipThe Washington Post·VA·9/21/2026

Attitudes towards data centers in Virginia have drastically changed in recent years. Once viewed as beneficial for local economies, data center developments now face widespread and united opposition across the state.

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In Virginia, a state known for its high concentration of data centers, public sentiment regarding these developments has undergone a significant shift. For years, data centers were largely perceived as a benign form of development, contributing to local tax revenues without causing broader community harm.

However, this perception has evolved, and data centers now encounter widespread and united opposition from Virginians. This indicates a growing public concern over their impact, turning data center projects into a major point of contention within the state.