Stop the Gateway Data Center in Fredericksburg, VA
The Issue
Fredericksburg, Virginia is a place where natural beauty and community are cherished. It's a city ripe with history and a sense of harmony with the environment that has always felt like home. But now, our beloved city faces an imminent threat from the proposed Gateway Data Center, a project that could disrupt the character and environment of our community.
The approval of this project by the Fredericksburg City Council would mean more than just the construction of a building. It poses risks of increased pollution, heightened traffic, and potential damage to local ecosystems. Data centers are notorious for consuming vast amounts of energy and water, and this one is expected to emit significant levels of pollutants that could harm both the air quality and the health of our residents.
Studies indicate that data centers can account for about 2% of total U.S. electricity use, with their energy consumption rivaling that of many small countries. A report from NRDC highlights that U.S. data centers consumed about 70 billion kWh of electricity annually, which is equal to the amount consumed by about 6.4 million average U.S. homes in a year. Imagine the strain and impact such a center could have on our local resources.
Moreover, the anticipated increase in traffic is a genuine concern for Fredericksburg residents. The roads, already strained, will struggle further if inundated with heavy construction vehicles and day-to-day operational traffic. This increase not only threatens our infrastructure but also the safety and well-being of those who navigate these roads daily.
Our city's unique charm and environment are at stake. The Gateway Data Center challenges our values and way of life. Economic benefits aside, we must weigh what truly makes Fredericksburg special. Is it worth sacrificing our environment and community to join the ranks of cities dominated by industrial landscapes?
We implore the Fredericksburg City Council to listen to the people they represent. Reject the proposal for the Gateway Data Center, secure our environmental heritage, and protect our community's way of life. Each signature on this petition is a voice demanding that our city remains a sanctuary of integrity and beauty.
Please take a stand for Fredericksburg—sign this petition and join the movement to preserve our city's heart and soul.
614
The Issue
Fredericksburg, Virginia is a place where natural beauty and community are cherished. It's a city ripe with history and a sense of harmony with the environment that has always felt like home. But now, our beloved city faces an imminent threat from the proposed Gateway Data Center, a project that could disrupt the character and environment of our community.
The approval of this project by the Fredericksburg City Council would mean more than just the construction of a building. It poses risks of increased pollution, heightened traffic, and potential damage to local ecosystems. Data centers are notorious for consuming vast amounts of energy and water, and this one is expected to emit significant levels of pollutants that could harm both the air quality and the health of our residents.
Studies indicate that data centers can account for about 2% of total U.S. electricity use, with their energy consumption rivaling that of many small countries. A report from NRDC highlights that U.S. data centers consumed about 70 billion kWh of electricity annually, which is equal to the amount consumed by about 6.4 million average U.S. homes in a year. Imagine the strain and impact such a center could have on our local resources.
Moreover, the anticipated increase in traffic is a genuine concern for Fredericksburg residents. The roads, already strained, will struggle further if inundated with heavy construction vehicles and day-to-day operational traffic. This increase not only threatens our infrastructure but also the safety and well-being of those who navigate these roads daily.
Our city's unique charm and environment are at stake. The Gateway Data Center challenges our values and way of life. Economic benefits aside, we must weigh what truly makes Fredericksburg special. Is it worth sacrificing our environment and community to join the ranks of cities dominated by industrial landscapes?
We implore the Fredericksburg City Council to listen to the people they represent. Reject the proposal for the Gateway Data Center, secure our environmental heritage, and protect our community's way of life. Each signature on this petition is a voice demanding that our city remains a sanctuary of integrity and beauty.
Please take a stand for Fredericksburg—sign this petition and join the movement to preserve our city's heart and soul.
Petition Updates
Share this petition
Petition created on August 2, 2026