Living with 230 data centers on the doorstep: ‘Nobody warned us what was going to happen’
Residents in Loudoun County, Virginia, are protesting the noise, air pollution, water use and electricity demand associated with the region’s large concentration of data centers. Local authorities rejected proposed restrictions on approved but unbuilt facilities after warning that the measures could trigger a costly lawsuit from technology companies.
Loudoun County, Virginia, home to the world’s largest concentration of data centers, is facing growing opposition from residents who say the facilities have brought constant noise, generator emissions, increased electricity costs and pressure on water resources. Residents Greg Pirio and Vicky Hu described health concerns and property impacts linked to nearby data centers and related power infrastructure, while county officials emphasized the industry’s jobs and tax revenue.
At a town hall, residents debated proposed restrictions on data centers that had already been approved but had not yet been built. Supporters said the facilities should be kept away from residential neighborhoods, while others credited the industry with helping fund Loudoun’s schools, parks and public services. Local authorities ultimately rejected the restrictions, citing the possibility of a $60 million lawsuit from major technology companies.