# Data center neighbors want a real say

> Northern Virginia residents support development rules that give them a voice before massive server farms get built nearby.
- Title: Data center neighbors want a real say · The Conversation
- Summary: Northern Virginia residents support development rules that give them a voice before massive server farms get built nearby. Communities living near data…
- Keywords: data centers, northern virginia, public hearings, zoning, electricity costs, power lines, environmental impact, government transparency, public accountability, loudoun county, prince william county, science
- Source: The Conversation — https://theconversation.com/data-centers-neighbors-weigh-in-on-how-to-manage-them-291631
- Author: Fengxiu Zhang
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: data centers, northern virginia, public hearings, zoning, electricity costs, power lines, environmental impact, government transparency, public accountability, loudoun county, prince william county, science
## Virginia's data center boom
Northern Virginia hosts the world's largest concentration of data centers. Residents have lived with them for years, but opposition to new projects is growing.
## Recent wins for opponents
In July 2026, developers withdrew a proposal for a 2,100-acre campus with up to 37 data centers in Prince William County after public protest. A week later, county officials rejected rezoning another 2,000 acres for more centers.
## What residents actually want
A survey of over 1,000 northern Virginia residents found they support policies that make data centers more transparent and accountable, but care more about some rules than others.
## Underground power lines rank high
Residents most strongly support requiring new electricity transmission lines to be buried underground and banning data centers near homes, schools and parks.
## Public review matters most
Having a voice before projects are approved ranks second in importance to residents. For years, Virginia jurisdictions allowed data centers without public hearings if zoning rules were met.
## Loudoun County changes course
In early 2025, Loudoun County ended automatic zoning approval for data centers and now requires public hearings before officials decide on proposals.
## The electricity cost question
Residents were ambivalent about charging data centers higher electricity rates. Wholesale prices near data centers tripled between 2020 and 2025, raising costs for other customers.
## Growth and rules can coexist
About 47% of survey respondents support data center development in their area. They want growth with safeguards, not a blanket yes or no.
## The real challenge ahead
Communities don't need to choose between allowing data centers or blocking them. The challenge is governing their growth with transparency and public input.

> Supporting data center growth and strengthening oversight are not competing goals.
## Key takeaway

Communities living near data centers don't oppose growth, but they want transparency, public hearings, and protections before projects are approved.