Prince George’s Residents Speak Out Against Proposed Landover Data Center

September 11, 2025

A proposed $5 billion data center campus called Brightseat Tech Park at the former Landover Mall site in Prince George's County has sparked significant community opposition due to potential environmental and health concerns. The hyperscale project by Lerner Enterprises would include five facilities spanning 4. 1 million square feet and consuming up to 820 megawatts of power.

Who is affected

Prince George's County residents
Vulnerable communities in the area already facing air pollution problems
Water consumers in Prince George's County
Taxpayers and workers in the region
Marginalized Black and brown communities
Local energy consumers who could face increased utility bills

What action is being taken

Residents and organizers are holding rallies and protests against the project
The Prince George's County Qualified Data Center Task Force is meeting to discuss the proposed site
Activists from organizations like the Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL) and the ANSWER Coalition are mobilizing community opposition
Community members are attending meetings to demonstrate their concerns through their presence
Maintenance crews are currently replacing water pipes in parts of Prince George's County

Why it matters

Data centers in the U.S. currently account for over 4% of the nation's energy consumption, with projections reaching 12% by 2028
Consumer energy bills could increase by up to 8% by 2030 due to data center demand
Large data centers can use up to 5 million gallons of water daily for cooling
Prince George's County already received a failing grade for ozone pollution in the American Lung Association's report
The facility could exacerbate existing water infrastructure problems in a region that has experienced several water main breaks
The project raises environmental justice concerns for Black and brown communities

What's next

The Qualified Data Center Task Force will decide whether to approve the Landover site's construction
If approved, there may be negotiations to establish conditions that safeguard public and environmental health
No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer