Data Center
- Loudoun Supervisors Advance Proposed Yearlong Pause on New Data Centers
A temporary halt on new applications heads toward a final vote Oct. 13 as neighbors and electrical workers clash over growth.
- Loudoun County to Weigh Temporary Pause on New Data Center Applications
Supervisors will review staff plans for a development freeze while rewriting standards and ending remaining by-right grandfathering.
- Prince William Planners Recommend Ending By-Right Data Centers
The Planning Commission backed a smaller opportunity overlay, a 120-day grace period and a 500-foot buffer before a Sept. 22 board hearing.
- Loudoun County to Consider Data Center Pause, Removing By-Right Grandfather Clause
A view of a data center in Loudoun County next to Chick Ford & Ryan Bickel Fields.
- Louise Lucas and Don Scott Clash as Virginia Budget Talks Stall Over Data Center Tax Breaks
With just days remaining in the 2026 legislative session, Virginia lawmakers are running out of time to reach agreement on a new two-year state budget, even as Democrats control the governor’s office and both chambers of the General Assembly. As of Wednesday afternoon, budget con
- Louise Lucas Presses Data Center Tax Repeal After Virginia Senate Vote
RICHMOND (VA) (AP). Nearly 20 years ago, Virginia offered tax breaks to tech companies on software and equipment.
- Creigh Deeds Examines Data Center Job Promises Versus Expansion Scale
Virginia Senator Deeds presented questions during a hearing regarding proposed data center projects in the state. The inquiry focused on the balance between creating 2,500 jobs and approving 40 additional buildings. This line of questioning reflects the current discussion on economic development and associated demands. The session involved direct address to the chair about the […]
- New proposal from grid operator PJM would require data centers to bring their own power
Data center with transmission lines in Prince William County, VA. (Photo by Shannon Heckt/Virginia Mercury) PJM, the regional grid operator for most of the East Coast, is asking federal regulators to approve a rule requiring new large-load customers, namely data centers, to bring their own power supply to the grid. With Virginia among the 13 […]
- Data Center Bills Dominated This Year's General Assembly. Here's What Passed.
The rapid growth of Virginia’s data center industry was a key point of focus during the 2026 legislative session, as lawmakers sought to balance the sector’s benefits — including over $80 billion in state investments and thousands of jobs — against its enormous electricity and water needs, which are a growing concern for communities statewide. Legislators filed dozens of bills directly aimed at re
- The main lesson from DEQ’s groundwater report: Virginia must budget to live within environmental limits
The timing of the release of the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality’s report on groundwater availability last month was suspicious, given that it was completed in January but not made available to lawmakers or the public until several months after the General Assembly’s legislative session. The science presented in the report is impressive, while its […]
- Dominion asks State Corporation Commission to recover an additional $922 million for fuel costs over multiple years
Dominion Energy asked the State Corporation Commission to recover an additional $922 million in fuel costs, citing extreme power demands during as well as a national rise in gas prices as reasons for the escalation beyond its original calculations State Corporation Commission staff reported that Dominion’s “actual fuel and purchased power expenses rose dramatically from […]
- Loudoun Supervisor Discusses State Role in Data Center Zoning Decisions
Loudoun Supervisor Mike Turner recently spoke about changes in how data center zoning decisions are being handled at the state level rather than locally. The discussion focuses on a shift where higher government bodies are assuming more control over these matters. This development has prompted questions about the balance between state and local responsibilities in […]
- State Corporation Commission Chair Kelsey Bagot, Former NextEra Attorney, Declines to Recuse Herself From Merger Case
On Tuesday, Virginia lawmakers heard from utility regulation experts on the potential impact of the proposed merger between Dominion Energy and NextEra Energy. If approved, the merger would create the largest electric utility in the country. In the days preceding this week’s Commission on Electric Utility Regulation meeting, legislators asked State Corporation Commission Chair Kelsey […]
- Loudoun County School Board Holds Meeting on Proposed Transmission Lines
The Loudoun County School Board convened a special meeting at Rock Ridge High School to receive input from residents regarding Dominion Energy’s proposed high-voltage transmission lines. The project aims to support data center operations in the region by connecting substations with new infrastructure spanning approximately nine miles. Attendees voiced specific worries about the routes crossing […]
- Loudoun Supervisor Mike Turner Proposes Mandatory Closed-Loop Water Systems for New Data Centers
Loudoun County Supervisor Mike Turner has proposed that all new data centers incorporate mandatory closed-loop water systems. The suggestion targets the significant water consumption associated with these facilities. Data centers account for 10 percent of the county’s potable water. Most existing operations currently rely on systems that could incorporate closed-loop features. The proposal was pre
- Lowdown from Loudoun: Mike Turner shares data center tips with Maryland audience
Michael Turner, a county supervisor in Loudoun County, Virginia, estimates that the public perception of hyperscale data centers has shifted considerably in the last six to nine months — and he isn’t sure why. Turner, a government official in the county with one of the world’s highest concentrations of data centers with over 250, said […]
- State Corporation Commission commissioner, former NextEra attorney declines to recuse herself from merger case
On Tuesday, Virginia lawmakers heard from utility regulation experts on the potential impact of the proposed merger between Dominion Energy and NextEra Energy. If approved, the merger would create the largest electric utility in the country. In the days preceding this week’s Commission on Electric Utility Regulation meeting, legislators asked State Corporation Commission Chair Kelsey […]
- Loudoun County Officials Discuss Data Center Energy Options
Loudoun County Board of Supervisors convened to address questions about data center operators seeking alternatives to grid power. The discussion centered on the potential use of on-site generation methods. Officials examined various technologies that could support the county’s expanding data center sector. Presentations during the meeting referenced specific examples of on-site power projects. One
- Loudoun County Board Hears Public Comment on Data Center Impacts During Meeting
During a recent meeting of the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors, a resident presented comments focused on data center developments in the area. The testimony referenced the Vantage VA2 project and its effects on individuals who have purchased homes nearby. The speaker raised questions about the board’s approach to evaluating these facilities. The comments included […]
- Franklin County officials have privacy agreements while deliberating a data center, resident FOIA shows
A Freedom of Information Act request by Franklin County residents revealed county officials entered into confidentiality agreements with an unnamed company related to a proposed data center project the local government is currently weighing. WFXR reported that local residents said they felt left out of the approval process because it appears substantial discussion about the […]
- Loudoun Supervisor Laura TeKrony Discusses Data Center Application Details
Loudoun County Supervisor Laura TeKrony participated in a board discussion regarding a land use application for data centers located across the Arcola Mills area. She referenced the proposed structures measuring 70 feet in height and noted support from local daycare facilities for the project. The application appears driven primarily by the applicants according to her […]
- Loudoun Supervisor Mike Turner Addresses Full Scope of Data Center Approvals
Loudoun County officials continue to evaluate the expanding presence of data centers and their associated requirements during public meetings. Supervisor Mike Turner provided remarks focused on the complete set of infrastructure elements tied to such approvals. These statements offer insight into the procedural aspects of local development decisions. Approvals for data centers in the county […]
- Virginia Implements Historic $600 Million Data Center Tax to Protect Ratepayers from Big Tech Grid Strain
The state of Virginia has officially implemented a first-of-its-kind statewide energy consumption tax on data centers within the FY2027 budget. This unprecedented measure is projected to generate up to $600 million annually by targeting the massive electricity usage of tech corporations. For years, conservative watchdogs have warned about the unchecked expansion of data centers and […]
- Prince William County Supervisors Adopt Budget with Reduced Real Estate Tax Rate
The Prince William County Board of County Supervisors recently approved a fiscal year budget that reduces the real estate tax rate while simultaneously expanding funding for local schools and public safety. Following extensive public hearings, the board voted to lower the real estate tax rate from $0.906 to $0.865 per $100 of assessed value for […]
- DEQ study throws cold water on data center development east of I-95
Among the many environmental, energy and economic concerns about the unconstrained spread of data centers in Virginia, the impact on drinking water supplies has ranked fairly low. That changed suddenly last week, with the release of a report that the administration of Gov. Abigail Spanberger seems to have tried to suppress. In compliance with […]
- Sterling Community Addresses Data Center Noise Concerns
Residents of Sterling Virginia are addressing concerns related to noise pollution originating from nearby data centers. The high pitched hum has been identified as a factor affecting the quality of life for people in the community. These individuals are seeking accountability to manage the situation effectively. The noise issue has been described as constant and […]
- Loudoun County Neighbors Seek Tighter Rules on Data Center Noise
Data center operations in Loudoun County have generated reports of noise pollution that affect the daily routines of residents in Sterling and surrounding areas. Neighbors describe constant sounds from facility equipment that interfere with rest and general comfort in their homes. These issues have prompted direct appeals to local authorities for greater oversight and regulatory […]
- Developer Requests Zoning Modifications for Tysons Data Center Project
A data center developer has applied for exceptions to several Fairfax County zoning requirements as part of a project in the Tysons area. Serverfarm seeks to develop the Vienna Cloud campus at 7980 and 7990 Quantum Drive in Vienna. The proposal involves converting two buildings and a parking garage into facilities designated NVA1 and NVA2. […]
- Loudoun County, other Virginia localities consider hitting the brakes on data center development
Loudoun County, ground zero of Data Center Alley and home to over 250 of the power-hungry digital warehouse facilities, is considering a pause on all new data center project applications, officials said this week. “The community has basically been begging us to do something about the unchecked growth of data centers,” County Supervisor Juli Briskman […]
- SCC orders Dominion to develop tariff to assign more transmission costs to data centers
More of the cost to build the high-voltage transmission lines that serve as power highways across the state could soon be covered by data centers, after a recent decision by state regulators. The State Corporation Commission has ordered Dominion Energy to develop a policy to directly assign the cost of transmission infrastructure to data centers […]
- Virginia Study Finds Hyperscale Data Centers Would Fail Groundwater Permit Criteria East of I-95
A 2026 report from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality concludes that a typical hyperscale data center requiring approximately three million gallons of groundwater per day would fail current permit evaluation criteria in nearly all locations across the Coastal Plain east of Interstate 95. The analysis forms part of a broader examination of groundwater supply […]
- Loudoun County Residents Raise Concerns Over Data Center Noise and Emissions
The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors has received numerous complaints from residents regarding noise and diesel generator fumes associated with data centers. Current members of the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors include Chair Phyllis Randall, Vice Chair Michael Turner, Juli Briskman, Sylvia Glass, Caleb Kershner, Matthew Letourneau, and Kristen Umstattd. These issues have been particularl
- Virginia Coastal Plain Groundwater Study Finds Limited Capacity for New Withdrawals East of I-95
A detailed report from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, released in 2026 as Senate Document No. 6, concludes that the groundwater supply in the Coastal Plain east of Interstate 95 has limited capacity for significant new withdrawals. Modeling of the Virginia Coastal Plain aquifer system indicates that most evaluated locations can support only small […]
- EMF Measurements Presented at County Hearing on Data Center Impacts
Theodora Scarato spoke before the Montgomery County Council in a public hearing focused on environmental health sciences. She shared data from recordings made at the fence line of a data center. The measurements indicated electromagnetic field levels reaching up to 1.98 on the device scale. The presentation highlighted that these values exceeded four milligauss in […]
- Loudoun County Data Centers Linked to Widespread Power Issues
Loudoun County data centers have been associated with power flickering reported across approximately half the United States. A statement from experts describes the facilities as imposing a substantial load on the electrical grid. This load is said to carry the potential for detrimental effects on overall system performance. Details of the Reported Connection The linkage […]
- Expert Testifies on EMF Standards and Data Center Concerns at Council Hearing
Theodora Scarato spoke before the Montgomery County Council at a recent public hearing. She characterized existing electromagnetic field safety standards as a fairy tale. Her remarks focused on the limitations of current guidelines in addressing modern exposures. Scarato described degraded power conditions that result in electrical pollution. This pollution can extend across distances of up […]
- Virginia senators request special session to act on ’deeply alarming’ groundwater report
The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality released its 117-page legislative report on the state’s groundwater supply east of Interstate 95 this week, which revealed significant levels of strain on the eastern aquifers that could put clean drinking water at risk. “Groundwater supply east of I-95 is constrained, and current projections indicate declining availability in the […]
- As Virginia officials weigh data center pushback, report details industry’s public service funding
As a single mother balancing work against earning a nursing degree, Yvettrise Hoskie thought homeownership was out of her reach. Now, she’s settling into a Henrico County townhome development. The county’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund helped with her downpayment, but the financial assistance was made possible by one of the state’s more controversial neighbors — […]
- Manassas Council Member Tom Osina Enters Mayor’s Race
Manassas City Council member Tom Osina has formally announced his candidacy for mayor in the 2027 municipal election. Osina, who has held his council seat since 2020, brings a record of local governance to the contest. The announcement was made public through local media outlets covering Prince William County and surrounding areas. In his statement, […]
- Northern Virginia Lawmakers Suhas Subramanyam, James Walkinshaw Receive Tech Contributions Amid Data Center Debates
Northern Virginia has emerged as the world’s largest data center market, with facilities expanding significantly in counties such as Loudoun. Local residents have expressed opposition to additional development of these large-scale operations near residential areas. Three Democratic House members from the region have received campaign contributions from individuals and groups connected to companies
- Expert Testimony Examines Electromagnetic Field Levels Near Data Centers
Theodora Scarato provided testimony at a Montgomery County Council public hearing focused on a proposed moratorium for data center projects. She outlined conclusions regarding electromagnetic field exposure and its documented associations with health outcomes. The presentation referenced cancers in general and breast cancer in particular along with environmental considerations. Scarato cited indep
- Amazon Confirmed as Tenant for Starwood Data Centers in Herndon, Virginia
Amazon has been identified as the end customer for new data center facilities under development by Starwood Capital in Herndon, Virginia. The project is located in Fairfax County at the Renaissance Technology Park. Amazon Data Services submitted documentation to the county regarding air permit applications for the sites. This confirmation comes from recent filings that […]
- Pro-data center industry group behind ad campaign in Virginia
Just days before the Oregon Legislature in March passed a one-year pause on a popular tax incentive program for data centers, a group called Oregon Connects registered as a nonprofit business in the state. Then the ads started appearing. “From homes to hospitals to businesses, Oregon’s data centers are unlocking a smarter power grid for […]
- Brown water, dust and loud noises: Louisa homeowner sues Amazon over data center construction
From the driveway of his Louisa home and business, Austin Newsome sees dozens of dump trucks barrel down Route 33 most days, hauling dirt and other debris. The road is stained rusty red from the soil displaced by the construction of Amazon’s latest data center campus in the county. One day, Newsom said, his neighbor […]
- Virginia Advances Data Center Projects Amid Concerns Over Energy and Water
Virginia continues to move forward with plans for extensive data center facilities. Projections indicate these centers could double the state’s electricity demand. Water resources may also face additional pressures from the operations. Electric bills for residents are anticipated to rise under current trajectories. No detailed plan has been presented to manage the full scope of […]
- Goochland residents rebuff data center developer Tract ahead of permit application
On Thursday evening, dozens of Goochland residents donned red t-shirts and held signs that spelled out their displeasure with the idea of multiple data centers being built in the county’s technology overlay district that butts up against Mosaic, a 55+ neighborhood that hosts over 500 homes. “We want to make sure that everyone understands that […]
- Loudoun County Meeting Addresses Data Center Application Concerns
A public meeting of the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors featured testimony regarding a data center application. The speaker stated strong opposition to the proposal submitted by Aspen Power. He addressed several key points related to small businesses operating in the area. The presentation included references to difficulties faced by the workforce in reaching job […]
- Virginia Environmental Agency Reviews Data Center Emissions Analysis
The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality examined concerns raised about air emissions from a data center facility in Loudoun County. Director Michael Rolband received an analysis from the Piedmont Environmental Council in March and directed staff to review its findings on potential health effects. The report focused on a Vantage Data Centers site in Sterling […]
- Virginia’s New Data Center Tax: A Billion-Dollar Excuse for Government Expansion
Virginia lawmakers have officially adopted a first-of-its-kind statewide energy consumption tax on data centers, sparking concerns among fiscal conservatives about government overreach and unchecked spending. The new levy imposes a $0.011 per kilowatt-hour charge on all electricity consumed by these facilities, which is projected to generate up to $600 million annually for state coffers. While […]
- Virginia Democrats Push Massive Budget Expansion Replete With New Taxes and Unprecedented Spending
Governor Abigail Spanberger and Democratic leaders in Richmond have finalized a state budget that drastically expands the size and scope of Virginia government. The newly approved spending plan features a record-shattering $2 billion in new public education funding and creates massive new entitlement programs at the expense of taxpayers. While proponents argue these measures are […]