Neighborhood backlash collides with America's tech arms race — but is this the plan to fix it?

By Fox News · Fox News

A national security push to expand the infrastructure behind America's technological ambitions is running into resistance from the communities being asked to host it, pitting Washington's race to stay ahead of China against mounting local backlash. Rep. Suhas Subramanyam, D-Va., who represents America’s "Data Center Alley," warns that backlash could obstruct the very buildout Washington considers a national priority unless Congress steps in — arguing that community buy-in is necessary to keep expansion moving. "The communities are being steamrolled by the industry," Subramanyam told Fox News Digital. "They’re not feeling like anyone’s listening to them." Subramanyam is pitching a four-part federal plan aimed at breaking what he sees as a false choice between unchecked development and outright moratoriums. The proposal addresses siting, power costs, energy and water measurement, and security for the facilities and surrounding communities. TRUMP’S DATA CENTER PUSH FRACTURES CONGRESS AS LOCAL ANGER EXPLODES: 'GRASPING AT STRAWS' "If you are concerned about a race with China, when it comes to building data centers and AI, you should want to work with us on a plan to get community buy-in for where to build data centers," Subramanyam said. His Fair Share Act would push states to require large power users to cover more of the infrastructure costs needed to serve them, according to the plan. HOMEOWNERS IN THE HEART OF AMERICA’S AI BOOM ARE GETTING AN UNEXPECTED PAYOFF "At the federal level, if we say that we're going to take away some of your federal funding if you do this, then it will be a no-brainer," he said, arguing data centers should "pay their fair share for the infrastructure that needs to be built because of them." The tension surfaced again this week as Fox News Digital reported on complaints of noise and encroachment from a massive data center built against an Ashburn cul-de-sac. Subramanyam said many residents in his district understand the need for the infras…