Planning and Zoning

PEC believes in smart growth planning and decision-making that enhances communities, reduces vehicle miles traveled, and protects natural, cultural and historic resources.

Video: “The Hidden Costs of the Cloud: Data Centers in Virginia”

Video: “The Hidden Costs of the Cloud: Data Centers in Virginia”

Virginia is undergoing an unprecedented economic, technological, and environmental transformation, all centered around the activities of one industry: data centers.

On The Ground Updates – December 2023

On The Ground Updates – December 2023

A series of short land use and conservation updates from around the PEC region.

Prince William Board to Vote on World’s Largest Data Center Proposal Dec. 12

Prince William Board to Vote on World’s Largest Data Center Proposal Dec. 12

Prince William County’s planning staff and the Planning Commission have recommended denial of the Digital Gateway rezonings.

Existing and Proposed Data Centers – A Web Map

Existing and Proposed Data Centers – A Web Map

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.