Loudoun, Spotsylvania counties consider data center bans
Loudoun and Spotsylvania counties in Virginia are considering moratoriums on data center development due to high demand for electricity and water. Spotsylvania's Board of Supervisors is expected to vote on supporting a statewide moratorium, while Loudoun's board is studying a local ban. This comes as State Senator Glenn Sturtevant has called on Governor Abigail Spanberger to issue an executive order halting new data center construction.
Virginia's rapidly expanding data center industry is facing increasing scrutiny, with both Loudoun and Spotsylvania counties contemplating measures to limit new developments. State Senator Glenn Sturtevant recently urged Governor Abigail Spanberger to issue an executive order imposing a statewide moratorium on data center construction, citing concerns over resource strain.
In Spotsylvania County, the Board of Supervisors is scheduled to vote on Tuesday regarding whether to support calls for a statewide moratorium. Concurrently, Loudoun County's Board of Supervisors has directed its staff to investigate the feasibility of implementing a local moratorium on data centers within its jurisdiction.
Experts emphasize that data centers, while economically beneficial through tax revenue, place immense demands on finite resources like water and electricity. They require significant supporting infrastructure, highlighting the intensive industrial nature of these facilities, which is a key driver behind the counties' and state officials' consideration of development freezes.