How many data centers currently exist in Virginia? How many proposals are in the works? These are very good questions. It’s also extremely difficult to provide an answer, given there is no publicly available dataset or state-level tracking of these facilities. In response, The Piedmont Environmental Council has pulled together an online web map showing existing data center facilities (that we are aware of), along with pending data center proposals we have found on various town and county websites, as well as through various news outlets.
Fauquier County
PEC works to help citizens in Fauquier build better communities and protect cherished resources–scenic views, working farms, historic heritage, clean water, and healthy air.
2023 Highlights: A Holistic Approach to Conservation
PEC works to protect and restore the lands and waters of the Virginia Piedmont, while building stronger, more sustainable communities. The following highlights reflect our work in 2023.
Resources from the Warrenton Town Hall on Transmission Lines and Data Centers – Nov. 13, 2023
On Monday, November 13, 2023, a coalition of organizations including Citizens for Fauquier County, Protect Fauquier, Protect Catlett and The Piedmont Environmental Council held a community town hall about Transmission Lines and Data Centers.
Transmission line update and community meeting invite
In September, I wrote to you about the explosive growth of Virginia’s data center industry and one of the side effects: a major push for new transmission lines.
Help choose our photo contest winners
Here are the 2023 PEC Photo Contest finalists. Take a look and vote for your favorites now!
Putting the Pieces Together on Digital Gateway
Since 2021, PEC has been supporting our partners’ heroic efforts to stop the largest data center campus in the world from being built on rural land next to Manassas National Battlefield Park, along Pageland Lane in Prince William County, Virginia.
The proposal, dubbed “Digital Gateway,” is massive and is projected to require around 3 gigawatts (GW) of energy. For context, that’s equivalent to the power used by 750,000 homes – roughly 5 times the number of households currently in Prince William County!
PEC Presentation on Energy Infrastructure and Data Centers (Upperville)
On Oct. 23, The Piedmont Environmental Council hosted a community meeting in Upperville, Va. on data centers and associated energy infrastructure.
PEC response to sign alteration
This week, PEC has become aware that the “It’s Not Over” message on some of these yard signs have recently been covered with materials indicating preference for a particular candidate in the upcoming Warrenton Town Council election. This action was done without our knowledge, involvement, or approval.
Potomac Watershed Field Representative
PEC is hiring for a Potomac Watershed Field Representative to execute a diverse portfolio of land conservation, natural resource restoration, land use policy, and civic engagement efforts in Clarke, Loudoun, and northern Fauquier counties.
Latest on Amazon’s data center in Warrenton
Since we last updated you on Amazon’s Warrenton data center, Amazon has spent these couple of months responding to the Town’s first round of comments on its initial site development plan.