(The Center Square) – Loudon County could be added to the list of jurisdictions in data center-rich Virginia that is creating a pause on their creation.
In Wednesday’s meeting of the nine-member governing body of the county, Democratic Supervisor Juli Briskman requested a way to enact a moratorium on applications. The Board of Supervisors in the spring is expected to have its new regulations for the industry.
Other jurisdictions known to have paused activity in some manner are Fluvanna County and Front Royals, with Suffolk City in consideration.
According to DataCenterMap, a respected tracker of data centers, Virginia has 653 – most of any state in the country. The map has tracked 4,619.
Data centers are tied to the explosion of artificial intelligence. Debate most often revolves around the strain of local resources inclusive of water depletion and grid reliability; passed-on costs by utility companies scaling capacity; pollution by noise, air, industrial, and destruction of land; corporate tax breaks to lure companies; jobs promises; and lack of transparency in deals bringing them into communities.
Leo Rogers, lawyer for the county, told the supervisors it would be illegal for the county enact a moratorium. He said he would look at actions by other jurisdictions.