Data Centers

Stafford

Stafford Revisits Data Center Rules, Proposes Grandfathering Five Major Projects

By Uriah Kiser

Stafford County officials will revisit their newly adopted data center regulations tonight, considering an ordinance that would exempt five previously approved developments from the stricter rules passed in October after a marathon joint hearing that stretched past 2:30 a.m.

On Tuesday, December 2, 2025, supervisors will weigh Ordinance O25-29(R). This revision would formally grandfather any data center project that had a rezoning, conditional use permit, or site plan approved on or before Oct. 21, 2025. County planners say the exemption was widely understood to be part of the board’s intent during the October vote but was never written into the final ordinance.

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Prince William

Planning Commission Denies Data Center Proposal on Prince William Parkway

By Caitlyn Meisner
The section of land along Hornbaker Road up for a data center.

The Prince William County Planning Commission denied a deferred data center plan slated for Hornbaker Road at its Nov. 5 meeting.

The plan was originally brought forth to the Commission at its Sept. 24 meeting, but two tied votes — one for approval and the other for denial — forced the Commission to defer the plan to a later date.

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Stafford

SILENCE IN STAFFORD — Supervisor Ducks Questions on Data Center Reforms, Campaign Mailer

By Uriah Kiser
A campaign mailer from Stafford County Supervisor Dr. Pamela Yeung claimed she had “secured a new movie theater” for The Garrison development in North Stafford. The project’s developer later told county leaders that no current theater contract exists, reviving questions about the long-promised project. [PLN]

Days after winning re-election on November 4, 2025, Garrisonville District Supervisor Dr. Pamela Yeung declined to answer questions about her abstention from a key data center vote and claims she made during her campaign about bringing a movie theater to North Stafford.

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Manassas

Nokesville and Bristow Residents Protest Dominion Energy Power Line Plans

By Uriah Kiser

“Our properties, our yards, our backyards, our green space is being used as an extension cord for big data, and it’s unacceptable,” said Vida Carroll, founder of the Civic Association of Brentsville and Surrounding Areas, during a protest outside a Dominion Energy “open house,” Prince William Times reported. “All of us are here tonight because our quality of life and our homes are under threat from yet another project by Dominion.”

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Stafford

Governor Glenn Youngkin Announces $2 Billion Vantage Data Centers Investment in Stafford County

By Uriah Kiser

“Thanks to companies like Vantage, Virginia is leading the world into a future powered by the limitless possibilities of artificial intelligence,” Governor Glenn Youngkin announced. “With this $2 billion in investment, Vantage is paving the way for a stronger Stafford County and a stronger Virginia. This project reflects our commitment to innovation, job creation, and economic growth — and it’s another example of how Virginia is winning for families and businesses alike.”

“Fredericksburg offered a significant opportunity for Vantage to serve our customers seeking capacity and access to the resources of Data Center Alley,” Vantage Data Centers North America President Dana Adams said. “The region’s proximity to major metros, access to robust infrastructure, and growing technology ecosystem make it an ideal location to meet skyrocketing demand.”

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Manassas

Nvidia to Build Massive AI Research and Data Center Complex in Manassas by 2026

By Uriah Kiser

“AI Factories are critical for AI leadership and essential for driving economic development, and they must be built in harmony with the electric grid and the communities they serve,” InsideNoVa reported. “By making Project Aurora the world’s first power-flexible AI Factory, Emerald AI is establishing the benchmark architecture that enables Nvidia’s AI platform to function as a massive, flexible energy asset. This model will support communities, unlock underutilized grid capacity, and help make energy more affordable for everyone.”

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Fredericksburg

Regionalism Matters – Energy Forum to address Virginia’s clean energy future

By Uriah Kiser
Stafford Economic Development: Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce

“Virginia’s energy future is at a pivotal moment. As the Commonwealth advances ambitious clean energy goals, the challenge lies in achieving sustainability while protecting the reliability and affordability that keep our economy strong,” the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce announced. “The Regionalism Matters – Energy Forum: Powering Our Region Together will bring together business leaders, policymakers, and energy experts for a dynamic discussion on how to meet rising energy demands without compromising economic stability.”

The event will be held on November 12 from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at Stevenson Ridge, 6901 Meeting St, Spotsylvania. John Hewa, President & CEO of Rappahannock Electric Cooperative, will deliver the keynote address on balancing reliability, affordability, and clean energy policy. Tickets are $45. The forum will explore how collaboration and regional leadership can ensure Virginia’s energy transition supports both innovation and economic growth.

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Prince William

Prince William Residents Rage as County Passes ‘Weak’ Noise Ordinance

By Uriah Kiser
Village Place Technology Park in Gainesville, approved by the Prince William Board of County Supervisors in 2022

After three years of study, public debate, and technical review, the Prince William Board of County Supervisors voted 5–2 Tuesday night to adopt a new C-weighted noise ordinance regulating sound from data centers and other industrial sources.

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Prince William

HUSH MONEY? Critics Say County’s Noise Law Caters to Data Center Giants

By Uriah Kiser
Village Place Technology Park in Gainesville, approved by the Prince William Board of County Supervisors in 2022

After more than two years of study, research, and public debate, the Prince William Board of County Supervisors will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, to decide how strictly to regulate industrial noise from data centers.

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Stafford

Stafford supervisors clash publicly over data center hearing delays

By Uriah Kiser

“To the George Washington District, over the next few weeks, you may hear half-truths or see social media posts from people unwilling to learn or understand how local government works,” Supervisor Deuntay Diggs of the George Washington District wrote. “Stafford County now has the strictest data center standards in Virginia—yet for some, that’s still not enough.”

Diggs defended the Board of Supervisors’ recent handling of a contentious meeting, saying that the agenda change was made “to accommodate an attorney whose wife had recently undergone surgery,” not to silence public comment. “The FOIA request submitted will confirm these facts—but it will likely never see the light of day, because there is simply no there there,” he added.

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