Take a deep dive into the region’s growing challenge with data center development. Data centers are large warehouse-like facilities that house the computer servers that store vast amounts of information and power everything from streaming services, online meetings, cloud computing, and, of course, artificial intelligence (AI).

While we recognize the vital importance of data centers in our modern society, we also acknowledge the devastating impacts their massive energy, water, and land use can have on nature and people if data centers aren’t subject to proper oversight and public input. Learn more in this presentation by Nature Forward’s Renee Grebe, Northern Virginia (NOVA) Conservation Advocate, Nature Forward’s Angie McCarthy, Maryland Conservation Advocate, and moderator Annabelle Harvey, Federal Policy Coordinator for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF). This presentation was delivered on October 30, 2025, as part of CBF’s “Volunteers as Chesapeake Stewards (VoiCeS)” program.