Virginia unveils aggressive data center accountability framework

Governor Abigail Spanberger has announced Virginia’s new Data Center Accountability Framework and signed Executive Order 22 to begin implementing it immediately.

• The framework would ban NDAs for commercial data center projects, require local approval for projects using more than 25 megawatts, end state subsidies, remove future large data centers from fast-track permitting, and set stronger standards for energy efficiency, water use, land impacts, and backup generation.
• Executive Order 22 also creates a new AI Task Force and directs state agencies to expedite noise regulations, review diesel backup generation, and push data center investment toward local energy projects and clean energy; the release says the governor will seek permanent legislation in the 2027 General Assembly session.