What people living next to data centers think about managing them

Our research found less public support for policy provisions governing more complex issues related to data centers.

An Amazon Web Services data center is seen on August 26, 2026 in Stone Ridge, Virginia. [Photo: Getty Images]

The people of northern Virginia have been living with data centers for many years. The area is home to the world’s largest concentration of data centers. In a survey we conducted, we found northern Virginians support development restrictions that could make data centers more transparent and accountable to the public. But they care about some types of regulations more than others.

As public concerns about data centers’ electricity demand and effects on the environment and surrounding communities have grown around the nation,........

© Fast Company