From Virginia to Alabama to Delaware, opposition is forcing changes — and sometimes outright cancellations — of major projects. This week’s Zoning In tracks efforts by local leaders, legislators, and residents to demand more transparency, limit environmental impacts, and rewrite zoning codes. Whether it’s grassroots victories in Pittsylvania County or looming policy shifts in Nevada and Maryland, the message is clear: communities want a seat at the table.
Massive Virginia data center development drives debate about price of technological advancement
A lawsuit is proceeding against Prince William County over its approval of the Prince William Digital Gateway, one of the world’s largest proposed data center developments. Residents allege secrecy and lack of transparency from both Compass Datacenters and QTS, citing NDAs and withheld information as grounds for concern.
Delaware House Speaker calls on county to deny proposed data center
Delaware’s House Speaker joined residents in opposing the $10B “Project Washington” data center over grid strain, water use, and a lack of answers from developers. Though the project’s first phase is allowed “by right,” local officials are now exploring new zoning laws to give communities more control.
A Pittsylvania community won a data center battle. Now the state is taking notice.
A rural Virginia community successfully blocked a data center and gas plant project after months of organizing. Their people-first, emotionally resonant campaign has become a model for how communities can resist high-impact development and rally for greater transparency in the approval process.
How could a proposed hyperscale data center affect Bessemer?
Residents in Bessemer, AL are pushing back against a proposed 4.5 million sq. ft. hyperscale data center over concerns including water usage, diesel emissions, endangered species, and zoning classification. Opponents accuse officials of pushing the project forward under NDAs and misinformation.
Nevada’s data center boom is a power, water conundrum
A report by Western Resource Advocates warns that Nevada’s data center expansion could double grid demand and overdraw limited water supplies. While utility leaders point to solar and geothermal innovations, advocates call for legislative guardrails and better transparency to protect ratepayers and the environment.
Amazon pulls Louisa County data center proposal after strong resistance
Amazon Web Services withdrew plans for a 7.2 million sq. ft. data center in Louisa County, VA following mounting community pushback. Critics cited the project’s scale, proximity to schools, and threat to rural character. Officials are now tightening approval processes for future proposals.
Data center debate: Maryland mayor fears building one would kill town’s character
The mayor of Eagle Harbor, MD voiced strong opposition to proposed data centers, warning of cultural and environmental impacts on his historic riverfront town. A Prince George’s County task force is weighing economic benefits against potential harm as it prepares final recommendations.
42 Organizations Call On DEP For More Transparency On Proposed A.I. Data Centers
Forty-two Pennsylvania organizations are urging the state’s Department of Environmental Protection to improve transparency around AI data center projects. Advocates say there’s too little public visibility into planning and permitting, despite major infrastructure implications statewide.
Monroe County planning, zoning board votes against data center proposal
Monroe County, GA’s zoning board rejected a rezoning request for a $6B, 900-acre data center project after strong public opposition. Residents cited traffic, infrastructure strain, and loss of rural character. Developers still hope to appeal to the county commission at an upcoming meeting.
Lighting the Way for West Virginia: Microgrid Law Aims to Attract Data Centers, Then Share the Wealth They Generate
A new West Virginia law allows data centers to be powered by microgrids while bypassing many traditional regulatory hurdles. While supporters tout it as an economic development tool, critics say it limits local input and could disrupt grid planning and environmental oversight.
AI data center could be built in Oak Ridge as part of Trump Administration’s push to develop AI
The Trump administration is considering Oak Ridge, TN as a potential site for a government-backed AI data center, part of a national push to accelerate AI infrastructure. Environmental advocates warn the region is already burdened with air pollution and needs greater regulatory review.
Large data center proposal raises questions in rural Dane County
QTS Data Centers is proposing a new multi-building campus on farmland outside Madison, WI. While developers promote job creation and tax benefits, local residents say the public meeting lacked answers on energy, water, and environmental impacts. Zoning changes would be required for the site.
City annexation filing reveals next steps for Project Blue data center
Tucson quietly filed annexation paperwork for land tied to “Project Blue,” now confirmed to be an Amazon Web Services development. Critics argue the process has lacked transparency, while officials say annexation is necessary to provide power and water. A public hearing is set for August 19.
MSCS accepts donation from xAI for school improvements
Memphis-Shelby County Schools accepted an in-kind donation from xAI to upgrade facilities near the Colossus data centers in South Memphis. Improvements include HVAC upgrades, library renovations, and classroom modernization — signaling community investment from one of the area’s major tech players.
Albemarle County grapples with proposed data center regulation
Albemarle County, VA is crafting a zoning ordinance to manage data center development, but environmental groups say current proposals allow overly large facilities “by right.” Concerns include water, noise, and grid impact, with calls for special use permits and more stringent oversight.
Port KC approves $10B data hub funding
Kansas City’s Port Authority approved $10B in bonds to support “Project Mica,” a massive data center complex reportedly tied to Google’s AI infrastructure. The project includes $1.75M in workforce funding and a carbon-free energy commitment, but local advocates question transparency and long-term community value.
DeKalb County plans zoning amendments for data centers
Following a temporary moratorium, DeKalb County, GA is advancing data center zoning rules. Proposed regulations will address noise, visual screening, generator use, and size categories for facilities. Planners aim to balance economic opportunity with protection for surrounding neighborhoods.
