After a power failure, Vantage Data Centers ran its backup generators in Sterling, Virginia, for almost 24 hours on 16–17 July 2026. Resident Greg Pirio measured 60 decibels at his property line, above Loudoun County's 55-decibel night limit, and left his home because the fumes hurt his lungs; the state environmental regulator said it had no power to stop emergency generator use. Neighbours of Vantage's gas-turbine power centre have also put mattresses and plexiglass in their windows against a constant high-pitched whine.