Loudoun County board pauses data center applications
The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors voted to pause new data center applications for 12 months to allow time for new regulations to be crafted. This decision follows significant resident complaints about health issues and environmental concerns related to existing data centers.
The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors in Virginia recently voted 7-1-1 to implement a 12-month pause on new data center applications. This measure directs board staff to draft a resolution, allowing the county time to create new laws governing data center facilities and their community impact. Board Member Kristen Umstattd voted against the measure, while Board Member Caleb Kershner abstained.
Board Chair Phyllis Randall clarified that the action is intended as a temporary halt to facilitate regulatory development, rather than a permanent ban. Loudoun County is currently home to 233 data centers, representing the largest concentration in the U.S., a legacy attributed to AOL's original headquarters in the area.
The decision comes amidst intense community debate, with residents voicing concerns about health problems, including respiratory illnesses, linked to proximity to data centers and their operational gas turbine generators. Conversely, the construction industry emphasized the importance of data center projects for job creation. Some residents urged the board to establish higher standards for data center owners, advocating for investments in local youth and trades, and for companies to bear the costs of power infrastructure upgrades to prevent increased rates for residents.
Under the new plan, each data center application will be paused for one year from its submission date, creating a staggered review process.