Amazon says it's changing how it builds data centers as pushback grows
Amazon backed away from plans to build four data center buildings on the George Washington University campus in Ashburn after months of community opposition. The company says it will stop signing nondisclosure agreements with local governments and hold more public open houses to improve transparency around future projects.
Amazon has withdrawn from plans for a four-building data center complex at the George Washington University campus in Ashburn after residents objected to the project. Shannon Kellogg, Amazon's public policy executive overseeing data center expansion, told WUSA9 investigative reporter Eric Flack that the company now recognizes communities want more information and a greater role in discussions about proposed facilities.
Amazon says it is changing its approach by ending the use of nondisclosure agreements with local governments during potential project negotiations and increasing the number of public open houses. Kellogg attributed some opposition to misinformation but said the company is listening and adapting. Amazon is expected to withdraw its application for the Loudoun County project by the end of the month, while local leaders said the company's follow-through will be the key test of its commitments.