Spanberger Proposes Virginia Data Center Accountability Framework
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger has proposed a Data Center Accountability Framework to manage the industry’s growth while addressing concerns about water use, pollution, electricity demand and costs. The framework calls for greater community transparency, environmental protections, grid reliability and workforce benefits, with some measures requiring legislative approval.
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger announced an executive order in September establishing a proposed Data Center Accountability Framework. The plan directs state agencies to improve community engagement, protect natural resources, address affordability, support clean energy and grid reliability, and ensure data center growth benefits workers.
The framework comes as Virginia faces continued data center expansion and growing public concern over groundwater use, air pollution and energy consumption. Spanberger said some elements will require action by the General Assembly, whose lawmakers have debated data center tax incentives and the industry’s impact on the electric grid and natural resources.