Virginia group urges support for HB155/SB619 to oversee data centers

          The Piedmont Environmental Council
          
            · January 22, 2026
          
          · ✓ verified

PECVA is urging Virginians to support HB155/SB619 to establish state-level oversight for new data centers via SCC Certificates of Operation.

Main announcement: PECVA calls on supporters to back HB155/SB619, bills sponsored by Delegate Josh Thomas (House) and Senator Srinivasan (Senate), which would require any new “high-load facility” (demanding >25 megawatts) to obtain a Certificate of Operation from the State Corporation Commission (SCC); the bill is currently being considered in a House Labor and Commerce Subcommittee. Key concrete facts: Virginia hosts over 500 data centers, there is a pipeline estimated at ~5× that number, and PECVA cites an estimated $1.6 billion a year in tax/subsidy impacts to the state. The email urges a temporary pause on approvals so state agencies can assess cumulative impacts.
Background/details: The bill would require the SCC to evaluate Ratepayer Protection, Grid Reliability, and Environmental Impact (alignment with state clean energy goals and cumulative public health/natural resource effects). PECVA links supporting materials (JLARC utility usage estimates showing typical proposals of 60–90MW), provides advocacy action links, and includes contact information for Julie Bolthouse, Director of Land Use (jbolthouse@pecva.org).