Data Centers
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Substation ruled inconsistent with city plan; residents blast water, trees, and transmission line impacts
The Fredericksburg Planning Commission has unanimously rejected a proposal to rezone more than 80 acres near Route 3 and Cowan Boulevard for a massive data center campus, after months of controversy over water use, tree loss, and high-voltage transmission lines near neighborhoods.
Stafford County officials will revisit their newly adopted data center regulations tonight, considering an ordinance that would exempt five previously approved developments from the stricter rules passed in October after a marathon joint hearing that stretched past 2:30 a.m.
On Tuesday, December 2, 2025, supervisors will weigh Ordinance O25-29(R). This revision would formally grandfather any data center project that had a rezoning, conditional use permit, or site plan approved on or before Oct. 21, 2025. County planners say the exemption was widely understood to be part of the board’s intent during the October vote but was never written into the final ordinance.
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The Prince William County Planning Commission denied a deferred data center plan slated for Hornbaker Road at its Nov. 5 meeting.
The plan was originally brought forth to the Commission at its Sept. 24 meeting, but two tied votes — one for approval and the other for denial — forced the Commission to defer the plan to a later date.
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“Our properties, our yards, our backyards, our green space is being used as an extension cord for big data, and it’s unacceptable,” said Vida Carroll, founder of the Civic Association of Brentsville and Surrounding Areas, during a protest outside a Dominion Energy “open house,” Prince William Times reported. “All of us are here tonight because our quality of life and our homes are under threat from yet another project by Dominion.”
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“Thanks to companies like Vantage, Virginia is leading the world into a future powered by the limitless possibilities of artificial intelligence,” Governor Glenn Youngkin announced. “With this $2 billion in investment, Vantage is paving the way for a stronger Stafford County and a stronger Virginia. This project reflects our commitment to innovation, job creation, and economic growth — and it’s another example of how Virginia is winning for families and businesses alike.”
“Fredericksburg offered a significant opportunity for Vantage to serve our customers seeking capacity and access to the resources of Data Center Alley,” Vantage Data Centers North America President Dana Adams said. “The region’s proximity to major metros, access to robust infrastructure, and growing technology ecosystem make it an ideal location to meet skyrocketing demand.”
“AI Factories are critical for AI leadership and essential for driving economic development, and they must be built in harmony with the electric grid and the communities they serve,” InsideNoVa reported. “By making Project Aurora the world’s first power-flexible AI Factory, Emerald AI is establishing the benchmark architecture that enables Nvidia’s AI platform to function as a massive, flexible energy asset. This model will support communities, unlock underutilized grid capacity, and help make energy more affordable for everyone.”
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“Virginia’s energy future is at a pivotal moment. As the Commonwealth advances ambitious clean energy goals, the challenge lies in achieving sustainability while protecting the reliability and affordability that keep our economy strong,” the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce announced. “The Regionalism Matters – Energy Forum: Powering Our Region Together will bring together business leaders, policymakers, and energy experts for a dynamic discussion on how to meet rising energy demands without compromising economic stability.”
The event will be held on November 12 from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at Stevenson Ridge, 6901 Meeting St, Spotsylvania. John Hewa, President & CEO of Rappahannock Electric Cooperative, will deliver the keynote address on balancing reliability, affordability, and clean energy policy. Tickets are $45. The forum will explore how collaboration and regional leadership can ensure Virginia’s energy transition supports both innovation and economic growth.