Loudoun County supervisors revisit data center project exemptions
Loudoun County supervisors are revisiting an exemption for 23 data center projects that were already approved to proceed under existing rules. Some supervisors and residents want the projects to undergo new regulations, public hearings and final votes, while developers warn that changing the rules could create uncertainty and lead to lawsuits.
The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors is considering whether to remove an exemption granted to 23 data center projects already in development. The projects received approval to proceed before the county adopted updated data center regulations requiring additional review, public hearings and board approval. A vote was delayed last month while the county attorney reviewed potential legal risks.
The proposal has divided the community. Residents cite concerns about noise, power demand, natural resources, housing availability and proximity to data centers, while developers and business supporters argue that retroactively changing the approval process could damage Loudoun County's reputation as a place to do business. The county, which has more than 250 data centers generating over $1 billion in revenue, is also conducting a broader review of future siting and development standards expected to conclude next spring.