Virginia coalition urges statewide data center reform in Richmond

The Virginia Data Center Reform Coalition held a lobby day in Richmond urging the General Assembly to pass comprehensive data center reform.

• Lobby day details and primary action: The Coalition assembled a standing-room-only audience, met with more than 80 legislative offices, and emphasized a package of reforms built on four pillars (transparency; state oversight and mitigation; financial protections for families and businesses; tying tax exemptions to standards). More than 50 bills related to oversight, transparency, ratepayer protections and mitigation were introduced this session; several (including HB658, HB589, HB155) were heard and killed in the House Finance Committee, while others (e.g., SB253 amended by Senator Lucas, SB619, SB553, SB339, HB897) remain under consideration.
• Background and additional details: The Coalition represents more than 50 nonprofit organizations and community groups; the release cites Virginia housing 500+ data centers and references Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro unveiling standards for data center management. The group’s priority bills include SB619/HB284/SB371/HB507 (state oversight), SB553 (enhanced transparency), SB339 (ratepayer protections), and HB897/SB465 (tax incentive reform).