When you cross into Loudon County, Virginia, the hum of activity signals the presence of 199 data centres operating incessantly in the background. This inconspicuous area is not only the wealthiest county in America but also the heart of data processing and storage, surpassing even China's capacity.
The recent global Amazon outage heightened attention on this county, which is substantial for housing numerous data facilities vital for operating the internet and artificial intelligence technologies. While lucrative for the local economy, some residents feel the cost of these developments may outweigh the benefits.
Loudoun County, often referred to as “Data Center Alley,” has around 200 facilities occupying approximately 45 million square feet—equating to 3% of the land area but drawing 40% of the county’s budget. With plans for further expansion, community members express their frustrations over the overwhelming presence of these enormous buildings.
Local residents like Emily Kasabian, who bought her home seeking solace away from data centres, are now facing the harsh reality of a proposed facility across the street. She reflects, “I never thought that a data centre would be built across the street from my house. I would not have bought this house if I had known what was going in across the street.”
Concerns extend beyond aesthetics; environmental impacts like noise pollution threaten local wildlife. Greg Pirio, for instance, laments the absence of birds, attributing this shift to the unobtrusive sounds emitted from the nearby data centre.
As wholesale electricity costs have surged by up to 267% near data centres, residents worry about their increasing utility bills. Despite pushback, pro-business advocates, including political figures, stress the economic importance of data centres as they promise to drive growth and create jobs.
The data centre industry generates approximately 74,000 jobs annually in Virginia, boosting the economy to the tune of $5.5 billion. However, local sentiment remains conflicted, with civilians like Barbara Day contending that economic growth should not compromise quality of life.
The rapid expansion within Loudoun is coupled with a lack of regulation; Virginia’s Governor recently vetoed legislation that sought to impose constraints on the industry. Advocates emphasize the need for a dialogue between local communities and data centre proponents to address emerging concerns adequately.
Activists are lobbying for a slow-down in developments, hoping to preserve the quality of life in a region they deem beautiful and vibrant. As plans for further data centres emerge, residents like Kasabian face critical decisions about their allegiance to their homes versus the evolving landscape of modern technology.
