Tuesday board of supervisors vote could impact future data center proposals
The Prince William County Board of Supervisors is set to vote on a measure that would require explicit board approval for all future data center projects, ending the current 'by-right' development policy for certain parcels. This change is driven by concerns over the increasing size and noise of data centers, as well as their energy consumption, and reflects growing public opposition. While not a ban, the new requirement would make it more difficult for new data centers to be built, as the board has recently rejected proposals.
The Prince William County Board of Supervisors is scheduled to vote on a significant policy change that could reshape data center development in the county. The proposed measure would eliminate the current "by-right" development model, which allows data centers to be built in specific areas, primarily near power lines, without direct approval from elected officials if certain criteria are met.
Board Chair Deshundra Jefferson stated that the existing 2016 by-right development policy is outdated, as data centers have since grown taller, bigger, and noisier, leading to concerns about their proximity to residential communities. The board's intention is to regain a say in where these industrial facilities are located, citing "bad projects" too close to homes.
The vote comes amid heated debates in the region, with opponents raising concerns about energy consumption, potential power outages, and increased electric bills. Supporters, including the Data Center Coalition, highlight the substantial tax revenue generated by these facilities, which in Prince William County is expected to exceed half a billion dollars this year, benefiting schools and public safety. Nicole Riley, Director of Virginia Government Affairs for the Data Center Coalition, emphasized the vital role data centers play in supporting everyday tech-centric needs.
If approved, the new policy would not ban data centers but would require every future project to undergo a formal approval process by the board. This could significantly impact future development, as the board has recently voted down major proposals, including a 2,000-acre data center project in July.