Governor signs Data Center Accountability Framework
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger unveiled and signed the Data Center Accountability Framework, a comprehensive plan to regulate the data center industry within the state. The framework aims to increase transparency, strengthen environmental protections, address energy costs, bolster clean energy initiatives, and promote local job creation. Executive Order 22 was signed to immediately implement parts of the framework and establish an AI Task Force.
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger introduced and signed the state's new Data Center Accountability Framework, branding it as the nation's most comprehensive and aggressive effort to regulate the industry. The framework aims to provide communities with transparent information and a greater voice in local approval processes, protect Virginians from escalating energy bills, and enforce stringent environmental standards for data centers.
The Governor's plan includes immediate executive action through Executive Order 22, which implements core components of the framework and establishes Virginia's AI Task Force to address concerns related to artificial intelligence, such as workforce displacement, data privacy, and cybersecurity. The framework also proposes new legislation for the 2027 General Assembly session to codify additional parts of the plan into state law.
Key pillars of the framework include strengthening environmental protections with higher standards for emissions, water usage, noise pollution, and land use, alongside a requirement for existing data centers to retrofit facilities. It also addresses energy costs by requiring data center companies to pay the full cost of their infrastructure and preventing them from driving up energy bills for residents. Furthermore, the framework prioritizes bolstering the clean energy economy by promoting clean energy sourcing and limiting on-site natural gas generation, while delivering a better deal for Virginia workers through local hiring and use of Virginia-made materials.
The initiative specifically bans non-disclosure agreements for commercial projects, requires community benefits agreements, and eliminates "by-right" approval for data centers above 25MW, mandating local permit approvals. Governor Spanberger emphasized that these high standards are designed to ensure accountability across energy bills, air and water quality, and community impacts, sending a clear message that companies unwilling to meet these standards should not operate in Virginia.