Virginia is undergoing a massive economic, technological and environmental transformation, all centered around the activities of one industry: data centers.
The Problem
The data center crisis that Virginia is facing involves not only the physical data center buildings, but their related infrastructure requirements, their use of resources such as energy and water, and their emissions, including air and noise pollution. All of these elements have significant direct and indirect impacts – on residents and taxpayers, communities and the environment.
Select a topic below to dive deeper.
Existing & Proposed Data
Centers Interactive Map
How many data centers currently exist in Virginia? How many proposals are in the works? Our map tracks existing and proposed data center facilities…
Transmission Proposals
Interactive Map
Transmission line proposals to serve the explosive growth of data centers in Virginia over the past few years have begun to roll in. PEC has published this online web map to make it easier to view the proposals in one place.
Air Quality
Most data centers have chosen to use diesel generators for backup power, despite being one of the most polluting forms of energy production.
Data Center Impacts
Virginia today holds the largest global concentration of data centers anywhere in the world. Without swift intervention from our elected officials, data centers will derail critical climate goals and efforts to improve air and water quality, advance land conservation, and protect national and state parks.
Get Involved
People all over Virginia must take action and demand a smarter digital future.
Four Pillars of Data Center Reform
PEC advocates for comprehensive state-level reform that addresses four categories that we call the Four Pillars of Data Center Reform: transparency, ratepayer protections, state oversight, and incentives for efficiency.
VA Data Center Reform Coalition
This growing coalition is made up of environmental, conservation, historic preservation and climate advocacy groups, community members and neighborhoods across the state of Virginia. Join the growing movement.
Resource
Hub
View our list of resources for communities, community leaders and elected officials.
Latest Stories
New Study Highlights Public Health Impacts of Gas Turbine-Powered Data Centers
Piedmont Environmental Council Statement on the Potomac River Being Named the Most Threatened River in America
In Major Win, Massive ‘Digital Gateway’ Data Center Project Has Been Halted
Tell Culpeper Officials to Hold Their Ground: No Bending the Rules for Reckless Development
Spring Orange County Updates
Join Us for a Q&A on Our New Vantage Data Center Air Quality Study
PEC statement on Prince William Digital Gateway latest legal win
It’s Time to End Data Centers’ Massive Tax Break
Letter to the General Assembly: Data Centers Need to Pay Their Fair Share of Taxes
