Press Releases

U.S. Representative Don Beyer (D-VA) today urged the Fairfax County Planning Commission to deny the permit application filed for Edsall Data Center Substation 2232 at the Plaza 500 site at 6299 Edsall Road in Lincolnia, citing serious concerns about the project’s potential impacts on land use, flooding mitigation, light pollution, noise pollution, and whether this proposal is consistent with Lincolnia’s sustainable growth goals.

In a letter to the Fairfax County Planning Commission, Beyer noted that while Fairfax County has adopted guidelines intended to minimize the impacts of data center infrastructure on surrounding neighborhoods and preserve land for housing, economic opportunity, and transit-oriented development, he shares the concerns of many residents and stakeholders that the proposed substation is inconsistent with those goals.

“I am writing regarding the Edsall Data Center Substation 2232 Application currently before the Planning Commission. As the Member of Congress representing the community in which this proposal is located, I have serious concerns about the potential impact of this project on residents,” wrote Rep. Beyer. “Data center infrastructure should not be built in residential areas where its scale and likely impacts are fundamentally incompatible with the character and quality of life of adjacent neighborhoods. As such, I respectfully request the Commission deny the Application... I recognize the important of maintaining the infrastructure necessary to support our region’s economy and technological leadership. However, as we continue to experience unprecedented growth in data center development, we must ensure that these projects are appropriately located outside of residential areas.”

Full text of the letter follows below, and a signed copy is available here.

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Dear Commissioners:

I am writing regarding the Edsall Data Center Substation 2232 Application currently before the Planning Commission. As the Member of Congress representing the community in which this proposal is located, I have serious concerns about the potential impact of this project on residents. Data center infrastructure should not be built in residential areas where its scale and likely impacts are fundamentally incompatible with the character and quality of life of adjacent neighborhoods. As such, I respectfully request the Commission deny the Application.

The proposed substation is understandably a matter of significant concern for my constituents. Residents have raised important questions about the compatibility of this project with the surrounding community. Specific concerns include land use, environmental impacts like flooding, excessive lighting and noise pollution, and whether this proposal supports thoughtful, sustainable growth envisioned for Lincolnia.

Fairfax County has taken important steps to establish guidelines addressing these particular concerns associated with data center infrastructure and development. As I understand it, these guidelines are intended to minimize impacts on surrounding neighborhoods while preserving land designated for housing, economic opportunity, and transit-oriented development. Many residents and stakeholders have expressed concerns that this particular proposal does not align with those objectives. I share those concerns.

I recognize the importance of maintaining the infrastructure necessary to support our region’s economy and technological leadership. However, as we continue to experience unprecedented growth in data center development, we must ensure that these projects are appropriately located outside of residential areas.

Thank you for your consideration of this important request and for your service to Fairfax County.