Northern Virginia residents want data centers restricted and transparent

A survey of 1,004 residents in northern Virginia and the Richmond area found strong support for restrictions on data centers near homes, schools and parks, underground power lines, and mandatory reporting of energy and water use. Views on charging data centers higher electricity rates were mixed.

• Survey covered 1,004 residents in Virginia's two largest data center clusters
• Strongest support: underground power lines and limits near homes and schools
• Public hearings before approval ranked second among six policy provisions
• Residents were ambivalent about charging data centers higher power rates