Delaware shouldn’t approve one of the largest data centers on the East Coast without first passing strong, enforceable rules to protect local communities, land, and power infrastructure.

Project Washington is a proposed 6-million-square-foot data center complex planned near Delaware City—complete with 11 buildings and massive electrical yards. If approved, it would change the landscape of New Castle County for decades.

But county leaders just delayed a vote on a long-overdue ordinance to regulate data centers. Meanwhile, developers and industry groups are pushing forward without any clear environmental protections, zoning buffers, or utility safeguards in place.

We, the residents of New Castle County and concerned Delawareans, demand that the County Council:

• Delay all data center project approvals until comprehensive regulations are passed
• Reinstate retroactivity in the current ordinance so that Project Washington is subject to the same standards as future developments
• Require full environmental and infrastructure impact reports before any permits are issued
• Protect neighborhoods by enforcing buffer zones between data centers and residential areas
• Mandate reclaimed water use and clear power use disclosures to prevent further strain on Delaware’s fragile grid.

Delaware already suffers from some of the highest electricity costs in the region. If this project moves forward without accountability, residents could end up footing the bill—for infrastructure upgrades, water use, and higher utility rates.

Supporters say this project means jobs. But that shouldn’t come at the cost of unchecked development, rising power bills, and environmental risk. We can welcome economic investment without abandoning common sense and transparency.

Tell the New Castle County Council:
No approval without real regulation. No exceptions for mega-projects. And no rubber-stamps for industry giants.