Loudoun County considers pause on data center applications

Loudoun County, Virginia, home to the world’s largest concentration of data centers known as ‘Data Center Alley’, is considering a 12-month pause on new data center and substation applications. The Board of Supervisors is scheduled to vote on a resolution that would prevent legislative action on such applications, retroactively effective September 15, 2026, though exceptions would be made for projects improving grid reliability.

The proposal aims to slow growth to allow county officials to finalize regulations for overseeing the industry and protecting surrounding neighborhoods. While the industry provides significant economic benefits—contributing 40% of the county’s budget and supporting high median incomes—residents have raised concerns regarding noise, fumes, and the visual impact of the massive, windowless buildings.

Currently, there are approximately 233 data centers either built or under construction in the county, occupying 3% of its territory and consuming electricity equivalent to 2.2 million homes. The sector is expected to contribute $1.3 billion in taxes in the 2027 fiscal year.