Ongoing story · Updated October 27, 2026
Data centers in Loudoun County
As of October 25, Amazon has formally withdrawn its application to build data centers on George Washington University's Ashburn-area campus. The withdrawal follows a preliminary agreement with the county announced October 20 that is still being finalized. The Board of Supervisors has deferred discussion of a proposed pause on some data center applications to its November 17 meeting. The county is also requiring additional documentation for high energy use facility land use applications under a new state law.
Key points
On August 4, Amazon was reported to have filed an application to turn George Washington University's Loudoun campus into new data centers. The proposal drew pushback from residents and an elected official.
Loudoun County scheduled two open houses in September on phase two of its Data Center Standards and Locations planning and zoning project.
On October 20, the county announced a preliminary agreement with Amazon under which data centers will not be built on the GWU campus and housing will be fast-tracked. The county said it will keep negotiating to finalize the terms. Amazon formally withdrew its data center application, as reported October 25.
The Board of Supervisors deferred discussion of a proposed pause on some data center applications to its November 17 meeting.
After sustained complaints about natural gas turbines at a Sterling data center, a new plan would shut down its onsite power plant in 2028, 12 years ahead of schedule.
As of October 23, Loudoun County requires additional documentation for high energy use facility land use applications, as required under new Virginia state law.
Questions
Will Amazon build data centers on George Washington University's Loudoun campus?
No. Under a preliminary agreement with the county announced October 20, data centers will not be built there and housing will be fast-tracked. Amazon formally withdrew its application, as reported October 25, while the county continues negotiating final terms.
When will Loudoun supervisors discuss pausing some data center applications?
The Board of Supervisors deferred the discussion of the proposed pause to its November 17 meeting.
What is happening with the natural gas turbines at the Sterling data center?
After sustained complaints, there is a new plan to shut down the data center's onsite power plant in 2028, 12 years ahead of schedule.
What new requirement applies to high energy use facility applications in Loudoun?
Loudoun County announced on October 23 that it will require additional documentation for high energy use facility land use applications, as required under new Virginia state law.
Summarized from the headlines and excerpts of the 8 stories below and updated as new coverage arrives. The linked stories are the record.