Public Opposition to Data Center Expansion Grows Across East Coast

Public opposition to data center expansion is intensifying across the Eastern United States, driven by concerns over energy demands, water scarcity, and tax policies. In Virginia, 72% of registered voters oppose sales tax exemptions for these facilities, and nearly half believe the state is heading in the wrong direction. Despite this, Governor Abigail Spanberger maintained tax breaks through 2032, though she implemented higher taxes on data center energy consumption to address budget needs.

Local resistance is surfacing in several Virginia jurisdictions. In New Kent County, 87% of survey respondents opposed data center development, prompting the Board of Supervisors to request a specific policy for these facilities. Similar protests and legal challenges have occurred in Prince William, Botetourt, and Franklin counties. The Virginia State Corporation Commission warned that approved projects could require 70 gigawatts of electricity, fueling fears about resource depletion.

This trend extends to Pennsylvania, where a July 2026 Quinnipiac University poll found that 74% of voters oppose local data center development, up from 68% in February. This shift has created political vulnerability for Governor Josh Shapiro, with 34% of voters disapproving of his handling of the industry. A national POLITICO poll further indicates that attitudes toward artificial intelligence data centers are becoming increasingly sour and politically polarized, with the fastest growth in opposition among Democrats.