Loudoun County officials support pause on data centre approvals
Loudoun County, Virginia, which hosts the highest concentration of data centres in the world, is facing significant local opposition due to the rapid expansion of digital infrastructure. The county currently has approximately 250 data centres operating or under construction, and it is estimated that 70 per cent of global internet traffic passes through this region.
Residents have raised concerns regarding noise pollution, particularly from facilities like the Ashburn II Data Centre Campus. Some sites, such as those operated by Vantage Data Centres, utilize gas turbines for power rather than being connected to the electrical grid, resulting in a high-pitched whistling sound that neighbors report is disruptive to daily life.
In response to public outcry, the Loudoun County board of supervisors has voted to support a pause on new data centre approvals. This follows a period of intense growth, including the issuance of permits for over 10 million square feet of data centre space in 2025.
Entities
Ashburn II Data Centre Campus · Equinix · Loudoun County · QTS · Vantage Data Centres
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] An estimated 70 per cent of global internet traffic passes through or is created in Loudoun County. www.brisbanetimes.com.au · www.theage.com.au · www.smh.com.au
- [● 3 SOURCES] In 2025, the county issued permits for more than 10 million square feet of data centre space. www.brisbanetimes.com.au · www.theage.com.au · www.smh.com.au
- [● 3 SOURCES] Some data centre facilities, such as the Ashburn II Data Centre Campus, use gas turbines for power instead of the electricity grid. www.brisbanetimes.com.au · www.theage.com.au · www.smh.com.au
- [● 3 SOURCES] Loudoun County has approximately 250 data centres operating or under construction. www.brisbanetimes.com.au · www.theage.com.au · www.smh.com.au
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Loudoun County board of supervisors voted to support a pause on data centre approvals. www.brisbanetimes.com.au · www.theage.com.au · www.smh.com.au