In a reporter's notebook published Saturday, September 26, 2026, NPR's Scott Neuman detailed his reporting trip through Virginia and Maryland, where he investigated the rising opposition to new data centers. According to Neuman, this resistance is notable not just for its intensity but for its ability to bring together individuals who typically hold opposing political views.
Neuman's reporting suggests that the fight over data centers is cutting across party lines, uniting people who rarely agree on politics. The notebook, which aired on NPR, offers a glimpse into how local concerns about these facilities are creating strange bedfellows in the political landscape.
While the full audio report was not yet available at the time of publication, Neuman's observations underscore a growing trend in communities across Virginia and Maryland. Residents from diverse political backgrounds are finding common ground in their opposition to the proliferation of data centers, citing issues that range from environmental impact to land use.
The notebook serves as a preview of a larger story, highlighting the unique coalition forming around this issue. As Neuman notes, the opposition is not confined to one political ideology, making it a noteworthy phenomenon in an era of deep partisan division.
For local readers, this trend may resonate as similar debates unfold in their own communities. The reporter's notebook provides a timely look at how local activism can transcend traditional political boundaries when residents feel their quality of life is at stake.
