Rizer, who now heads the county’s economic development arm, has been called the “Godfather of Data Centers” for his efforts in building up the area, known as Data Center Alley. Briskman’s proposed pause seeks to allow time for that information to come through before the county continues permitting data center facilities. “Unfortunately, local moratoriums on data centers would send a signal that the area is closed for business, both for data centers and for other significant economic development projects,” she said. Data center moratoriums aren’t legal in Virginia because the state hasn’t expressly authorized localities to impose them. Attorneys said the lawful path forward for localities to restrict data center development is to amend their zoning ordinances.