Prince William County Votes on Data Center Zoning and Power

The Prince William County Board of County Supervisors is voting Tuesday, September 23, 2026, on two measures to curb rapid data center growth. The first is a zoning text amendment that would eliminate by-right development within the Data Center Opportunity Zone Overlay District. If passed, all future projects would require a special use permit and board approval, a move intended to increase local control over facility placement.

The board is also considering a request from Dominion Energy to expand the Vint Hill substation near Nokesville. The utility company claims the expansion is necessary to support up to seven proposed data centers and ensure grid reliability. However, the proposal faces opposition from residents and board members citing noise, environmental impacts, and health concerns.

Supervisor Tom Gordy, who spearheaded the zoning amendment, has pledged to vote against the substation expansion. Gordy noted that power constraints have already deterred new projects, stating that no data center company has filed an application in over two years. Board Chair Deshundra Jefferson has further criticized the utility company, arguing that Dominion Energy is not accountable to the local government.