VIRGINIA VOTERS FLIP ON DATA CENTERS

The dramatic shift reflects growing skepticism among Virginia voters about the facilities, which now rank nearly as unfavorable as nuclear power plants. Data centers have been a cornerstone of Virginia's economic strategy, particularly in Northern Virginia. The state has offered tax incentives to attract companies like Amazon and Meta. But concerns about energy consumption, water usage, environmental impact, and land use appear to have reshaped public opinion. The poll suggests voters may be reconsidering the trade-offs between economic benefits and infrastructure demands. Energy costs and grid strain have emerged as key concerns, especially as data center operators compete for power resources. The findings could influence state policy. Virginia lawmakers face pressure to balance attracting tech investment with constituent demands for environmental protection and responsible development. The data suggests that previous support for data centers cannot be taken for granted.