Loudoun County, Virginia(미국 최대 규모 데이터센터 허브)가 신규 데이터센터 건설 프로젝트 일시 중단 결정

Loudoun County, Virginia—widely recognized as the global epicenter of data center development—may halt processing of new data center applications, site plans, and substation requests while it overhauls industry regulations. A motion introduced by Algonkian District Supervisor Juli Briskman passed during last week’s Board of Supervisors meeting. According to a county press release, staff will return on September 15 with an agenda item to formally establish the pause, accompanied by a legal analysis from the County Attorney’s Office.

“Data centers have become an increasingly important part of our local economy, but their unchecked sprawl has raised serious concerns about impacts on surrounding communities and the growing demands on our energy grid and natural resources,” Briskman said. “Loudoun became the data center capital of the world in large part because data center development occurred with little oversight and before the full impacts were studied or understood. This pause would offer the County an opportunity to conduct its due diligence and establish appropriate policies, regulations, and standards so that we can better protect our communities and natural resources.”

The county currently hosts more than 250 data centers encompassing 53 million square feet of development, a footprint that has more than doubled since 2021. While these facilities generate over US$1 billion in annual tax revenue, their rapid expansion has complicated other economic development, including housing projects, and placed substantial strain on regional energy grid infrastructure.

“I have heard from residents across the county who want data center growth severely constrained or stopped entirely,” Briskman added. “Loudouners are tired of the visual and noise impacts, concerned about the continued expansion of energy infrastructure and rising utility costs, and worried about the air they breathe.”

Loudoun’s regulatory push began in 2022, when Briskman launched the Data Center Standards and Locations initiative following a 2021 remapping proposal. Phase 1, completed in March 2025, amended the Zoning Ordinance to mandate special exception approval, including a board vote, for new data centers. Phase 2, initiated in September 2025, addresses siting, substation policy, onsite power generation, battery storage, noise, building heights, and parking, with completion targeted for 2027.

The proposed pause aligns with similar regulatory actions across Virginia. Fluvanna County approved a moratorium in September 2025 to evaluate zoning changes, and the Chesapeake City Council authorized an eight-month halt on data center development last week. Beyond state lines, New York paused new hyperscale data center projects this month while developing a regulatory framework designed to safeguard ratepayers, the environment, the energy grid, and local communities. Governor Kathy Hochul is also pursuing the repeal of sales tax exemptions for large data centers within the state.