Freshman Rep. Suhas Subramanyam Blasts Data Centers While Cashing In on the Tech Companies That Own Them

Rep. Suhas Subramanyam, a freshman Democrat from Northern Virginia, has been sounding the alarm about the large data centers that have cropped up in his district, blasting them as "invasive" pollutants that could attract cyberattacks. However, what's less known is that Subramanyam owns hundreds of thousands of dollars' worth of stock in the companies that own these data centers.

Subramanyam's financial disclosures show that he holds at least $630,000 worth of stock in companies like Amazon, Meta, and NVIDIA. These holdings could potentially exceed $1 million. The companies that Subramanyam owns stock in are among the largest owners or providers of critical support to Virginia data centers.

The data centers in Subramanyam's district are a crucial part of the internet infrastructure, storing user data for some of America's largest companies. They also create more than 78,000 jobs in Northern Virginia and generate billions of dollars in economic output each year.

A Torn Record

During a recent committee hearing, Subramanyam portrayed the data centers as a creeping menace, saying that they were not great for the communities. He warned that the environmental impact is real, with green spaces disappearing and pollution rising, which could make it nearly impossible to reach Virginia's clean energy goals.

"And it's also a security risk," Subramanyam said, warning that Russia or other malign actors would be tempted to target the data center hub in his district. "You just look at the Ukraine war. When Russia failed to hack Ukraine’s telecom networks, what did they target? They targeted the data centers."

A Conflict of Interest?

Subramanyam's stance on data centers seems to be a mixed message. On one hand, he is warning about their potential risks and environmental impact. On the other hand, his financial disclosures show that he owns significant amounts of stock in companies that benefit from these data centers.

This has raised questions about whether Subramanyam's actions are driven by genuine concerns or a desire to protect his own financial interests. His opposition to the data centers could potentially lead to job losses and economic disruption in Northern Virginia, which would have a significant impact on local communities.

A Threat to Jobs and Economy

Should Subramanyam's anti-data center stance prevail, it could have severe consequences for the tech sector in Northern Virginia. The region is already home to more data centers than any other in the country, and it supports a significant portion of its economy.

The Northern Virginia Technology Council estimates that if the data centers were to move elsewhere, Subramanyam's district would lose around $31 billion in economic output each year. This would have a devastating impact on local businesses and residents who rely on these jobs for their livelihoods.

A Response from Industry Leaders

Rep. Nick Langworthy (R., N.Y.) has spoken out against Subramanyam's stance, saying that the country needs to focus on keeping America competitive and powering its future. "If Rep. Subramanyam is too foolish to want these great jobs in his district, bring them to mine!" he told the Washington Free Beacon.

However, Subramanyam has not responded to a request for comment. The controversy surrounding his stance on data centers highlights the complexities of the tech industry and the need for politicians to consider the economic and environmental implications of their actions.