A survey of 1,004 residents in northern Virginia and the Richmond area found support for new underground transmission lines, limits on data centers near homes, schools and parks, regular energy and water-use reports, and public input before approval.
The fall 2025 survey asked respondents to choose among combinations of policy measures rather than assess each rule alone. About 47% supported data center development in their area, 25% were neutral and 27% opposed it; public participation ranked second among six provisions. Respondents were ambivalent about charging data centers higher electricity rates than other customers.
In Prince William County, protests and legal action led developers to withdraw in early July 2026 a proposal for a 2,100-acre campus of up to 37 data centers. A week later, county officials cited opposition when rejecting a plan to rezone another 2,000-acre area for more data centers.
