Prince William

Delegate Ian Lovejoy (R-22, Prince William County) has introduced a suite of legislative proposals targeting the rapid proliferation of data centers in Northern Virginia, addressing concerns about campaign finance, land use, and energy infrastructure. The legislation, rooted in what Lovejoy calls “common sense reforms,” aims to tackle issues of public confidence, community impact, and the strain on utilities.

One of Lovejoy’s key proposals would bar local officials from voting on data center projects if they have accepted campaign contributions from developers involved in the projects. This legislation stems from what he describes as an “erosion of public confidence” in decision-making, particularly when controversial rezonings follow large donations.

“You can take the money, but you just can’t vote on the project,” said Lovejoy. “Or you can deny the money and vote on any project you want. It’s a common-sense reform designed to restore public trust.” The proposal draws lessons from similar initiatives in Loudoun County and targets what Lovejoy sees as a systemic issue across Northern Virginia.

This article is exclusively for our Locals Only members. Please Sign In or upgrade to become a Locals Only Member today!

Your support helps us continue delivering more in-depth community news that matters to you. Thank you.


Fredericksburg

The Fredericksburg City Council has announced a series of public meetings and work sessions as it considers approving the city’s first data centers within a newly proposed Technology Overlay Zoning District (TOD). The meetings aim to gather public input and provide transparency as the city plans to encourage high-technology industrial development in Celebrate Virginia South, next to the Fredericksburg Nationals baseball stadium.

While the council is promoting data centers as an opportunity for economic growth, concerns from local activists and experts highlight potential challenges, including environmental and community impacts.


Fredericksburg

[powerpress]

In our latest episode of the Potomac Local News Podcast, we tackle the complex and controversial topic of data centers and their growing presence in our region. Joining the conversation are two experts with unique perspectives: Bill Wright, a data center activist from Prince William County, and Dr. Eric Bonds, a professor at the University of Mary Washington and a concerned Fredericksburg resident.


Fredericksburg

The Fredericksburg City Council held a work session on December 10 to discuss a proposed ordinance allowing the city to develop data centers.

The discussion focused on creating a data center overlay district, with the Celebrate Virginia South area next to Virginia Credit Union Stadium, home of the Fredericksburg Nationals, being the primary proposed location. The ordinance would establish zoning, performance standards, and environmental protections for the potential development.


Prince William

As Prince William County grows, officials highlight the need for new water sources to meet future demand. A primary concern is the expansion of data centers, which have become a significant consumer of water.

This article is exclusively for our Locals Only members. Please Sign In or upgrade to become a Locals Only Member today!

Your support helps us continue delivering more in-depth community news that matters to you. Thank you.


Fredericksburg

By Morgan Sweeney

(The Center Square) — The average American’s energy bill could increase from 25% to 70% in the next 10 years without intervention from policymakers, according to a new study from Washington, D.C.-based think tank the Jack Kemp Foundation.


Prince William

The Prince William Board of County Supervisors approved a resolution on November 19, 2024, to transfer $484,007 from the county’s contingency fund to address litigation costs and hire additional staff to handle data center real estate assessments.

This article is exclusively for our Locals Only members. Please Sign In or upgrade to become a Locals Only Member today!

Your support helps us continue delivering more in-depth community news that matters to you. Thank you.


View More Stories