Loudoun Supervisors Eye Data Centers Moratorium, More Regulations
Loudoun County supervisors are exploring a temporary moratorium on new data center applications and proposing new regulations for backup generators and future decommissioning plans. These efforts are in response to growing community concerns about noise, emissions, and the long-term impact of data center development on the county's electric grid and natural resources.
Loudoun County supervisors are exploring a temporary moratorium on new data center applications, a proposal championed by Supervisor Juli E. Briskman (D-Algonkian). During a recent meeting, Briskman advocated for a pause in approvals, including administrative ones, citing community concerns about the electric grid and unchecked data center growth. She noted that other Virginia localities like Fluvanna County and Front Royal have already implemented similar pauses, with Suffolk City considering one. County Attorney Leo Rogers, however, expressed doubts about the legality of a general moratorium but agreed to research options, with a report due in September.
The board also addressed concerns regarding data center backup generators. Supervisor Koran T. Saines (D-Sterling) proposed researching limitations on generator run times, prompted by incidents like a recent power loss at a Vantage data center in Sterling that caused prolonged noise complaints. Additionally, Vice Chair Michael Turner (D-Ashburn) suggested mandating selective catalytic reduction and diesel particulate filters on all backup generators to reduce emissions. These proposals received board support. Nicole Riley, Director of Virginia Government Affairs for the Data Center Coalition, countered that generators are rarely run for long periods and contribute minimally to regional air quality, citing a JLARC report.
Furthermore, supervisors initiated planning for the future decommissioning of data centers. Supervisor Laura A. TeKrony (D-Little River) raised concerns about potential obsolescence and the need for decommissioning plans to prevent empty buildings and infrastructure from becoming liabilities, or even "superfund sites" as Supervisor Briskman suggested. County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large) echoed these sentiments, highlighting the rapid pace of technological change and the need for forward-looking regulations. A proposal by Supervisor Kristen C. Umstattd (D-Leesburg) to research requiring decommissioning bonds for data center applications also gained support.