WOODBRIDGE, Va. – On Tuesday, the Prince William County Board of Supervisors will take up two closely linked measures that could reshape the county’s technology and energy landscape. The first proposal seeks to end the current “by right” approval process for data center projects within the county’s overlay district, requiring each future facility to receive board approval. The second item on the agenda is Dominion Energy’s request to expand its Vint Hill substation near Nokesville to support up to seven new data center buildings.
Changing the Data Center Approval Process
Under existing rules, developers can build data centers “by right” if they meet the district’s requirements, bypassing a separate vote by the Board. The new ordinance would replace that automatic pathway with a mandatory review, giving elected officials and residents greater oversight of where these high‑tech facilities are sited.
Supporters of the change argue that local control is essential for balancing economic benefits with community impacts. They note that data centers generate hundreds of millions of dollars in tax revenue each year, but also require significant land use, traffic, and utility infrastructure. By bringing each project before the Board, the county can weigh those factors on a case‑by‑case basis.
Industry representatives, however, caution that the added layer of review could slow development and increase costs. They point to the role data centers play in supporting cloud services, streaming, and other digital tools that residents rely on daily.
Dominion Energy’s Substation Expansion Request
Dominion Energy has asked the Board to enlarge its Vint Hill substation to meet the anticipated power demand from the proposed data centers. The utility says the expansion is necessary to ensure reliable service and to accommodate the growing energy needs of the region’s tech sector.
Neighbors of the proposed site have voiced concerns about the substation’s proximity to homes, potential health and environmental impacts, and the addition of two 30‑foot‑tall equipment buildings. The Board delayed a decision in June to gather more information on safety and environmental effects, and today’s meeting will provide an opportunity for additional public comment.
A rally against the substation expansion is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. outside the Board chambers, followed by the evening session at 7 p.m. where the vote will be taken.
What’s at Stake for Residents
Both measures reflect a broader conversation about how Prince William County balances economic growth with quality‑of‑life concerns. Data centers bring jobs and tax revenue, but they also raise questions about land use, traffic, and the strain on local utilities. The substation expansion directly addresses the power needs of those facilities, yet it also brings the typical worries that accompany large energy projects.
County officials have emphasized that the public’s voice will be a key factor in the decision‑making process. “We want to make sure any development serves the best interests of our families and neighborhoods,” said a Board member during a recent public hearing.
Residents are encouraged to attend the meeting, submit written comments, or contact their supervisor’s office ahead of the vote. The outcomes of these two items will set a precedent for how future technology‑driven projects are evaluated in Prince William County.
Next Steps
If the Board adopts the zoning change, developers will need to prepare detailed proposals for each new data center, including site plans, traffic analyses, and utility impact studies. Should the substation expansion be approved, Dominion Energy will move forward with engineering designs and environmental reviews required by state and federal regulations.
Both decisions are expected to have long‑term implications for the county’s economic development strategy and its ability to attract high‑tech investment while preserving the character of local neighborhoods.
Original reporting: Arlington County | FOX 5 DC — read the source article.
