Loudoun County officials approve data center on consent agenda
Loudoun County officials approved a data center project by placing it on a consent agenda, drawing criticism from the Piedmont Environmental Council and local advocates. Concerns were raised regarding transparency, environmental impact due to cooling and generator usage, and the lack of modern energy solutions. Opponents are pushing for updated energy solutions and opposing further expansions.
Loudoun County officials recently approved a data center, placing it on the consent agenda, which has drawn criticism regarding transparency and its community impact. The Piedmont Environmental Council has voiced concerns, highlighting the lack of detailed information regarding the data center's cooling mechanisms and the number and type of generators planned. This information is crucial for understanding the project's energy and water consumption, as well as its potential pollution within the community.
The council emphasized that generator types should be specified in the proffers, with a commitment that they will not be used for non-emergency power generation. This approval comes after a similar application in late 2019, and advocates argue that the county now has a better understanding of the energy demands of the data center industry and its climate impacts. While acknowledging previously approved square footage, opponents suggest that the current footprint expansion provides an opportunity for the county to negotiate for modern energy solutions, such as on-site solar power paired with battery storage. They urged officials to oppose further expansions, aligning with staff recommendations against additional data center square footage in urban transit center areas.