$2.5M Fine: Microsoft's Leesburg Data Center Slammed for Excessive Emissions

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has issued a record-breaking $2.5 million fine to Microsoft for violating air pollution limits at its Leesburg data center in June and July 2025.

The penalty stems from the company's use of generators during a power outage, which exceeded allowed emissions levels.

This is the largest civil penalty ever issued by the DEQ, and the judgment will be finalized on October 14.