Supervisor Mike Turner on the future of data center regulation in Loudoun County.
Loudoun County Supervisor Mike Turner discusses the need for stricter data center regulations, highlighting concerns about visual and community impacts. He references past zoning approvals and numerous grandfathered projects, emphasizing the connection between data center approvals and the need for associated substations and power lines. Turner advocates for tightening regulations to align future infrastructure with community expectations.
Loudoun County Supervisor Mike Turner addressed the ongoing debate surrounding data center developments, advocating for a new regulatory framework. He highlighted that a specific "Dulles Berry data center" became an allowable use by right in 2018 and its legislative application was approved by the board in 2022 by an 8-0-1 vote. Turner noted that approximately 40 data centers are theoretically in the pipeline due to being grandfathered under previous regulatory changes, including a March 2025 specification change and a 2023 zoning ordinance rewrite.
Turner emphasized the critical link between approving a data center and subsequently needing to approve an associated substation and power line. He expressed serious reservations about the board approving a data center but then disapproving its required substation. While comfortable supporting the current distribution substation because the data center it supports was already approved and has community backing, he warned of future challenges from data centers the board has not yet seen or approved, which will also require substation approvals.