Piedmont Environmental Council urges Loudoun to explore innovative data center solutions

The Loudoun County Transportation and Land Use Committee convened on July 28, 2025, to address critical issues surrounding the impact of data centers and to review various reports related to environmental and housing initiatives.

The meeting began with a public comment from a representative of the Piedmont Environmental Council, who emphasized the need for the committee to consider the negative impacts of data centers on residents. Key concerns included noise, light pollution, and increased greenhouse gas emissions. The speaker urged the committee to explore innovative solutions such as virtual power plants, on-site solar energy, and microgrids to mitigate these impacts rather than relying solely on costly traditional solutions.

Following public comments, the committee moved to the proposed consent agenda, which included several annual reports from various advisory boards, including the Environmental Commission and the Housing Advisory Board. The consent agenda was adopted unanimously, with committee members expressing appreciation for the work of the Environmental Commission and encouraging the Housing Advisory Board to explore affordable housing designs that address the "missing middle" in housing options.

The meeting then transitioned to an information item regarding the Administrative and Legislative Land Use Review Assessment. Staff members from County Administration and the Planning and Zoning Department were present to provide insights and respond to questions from the committee.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the committee's commitment to addressing the environmental impacts of data centers while also focusing on housing affordability and community engagement in planning processes. The discussions underscored the importance of innovative approaches to energy management and sustainable development in Loudoun County.