💨 Abstract

Virginia, hosting a third of global data centers, faces rising energy and water usage straining utility bills. Localities debate regulation, with York County enacting new standards for future proposals, mandating infrastructure checks and sound studies. Similar ordinances spread across counties like Loudoun and Fairfax, balancing economic benefits ($5.5B in labor income, 74,000 jobs) with infrastructure challenges and community concerns.

Courtesy: Diane Morris