Guest Column: Marchand Criticizes Virginia Data Center Accountability Framework
Guest columnist Ross Marchand argues that Virginia’s Data Center Accountability Framework and Executive Order 22 will make data center development more difficult and increase costs. The measures include stricter reviews for large projects and planned rules covering noise, cooling-water use, backup-generator emissions and on-site natural-gas power.
In a Richmond Times-Dispatch guest column, Taxpayers Protection Alliance Executive Director Ross Marchand criticizes Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s Executive Order 22 and the state’s Data Center Accountability Framework. Marchand argues that the new oversight measures could slow investment, reduce job creation and tax revenue, and raise electricity costs for residents.
The framework excludes proposed data centers with expected peak demand above 25 megawatts from certain expedited reviews and directs the state to develop rules addressing noise and cooling-water use. It also calls for a review of backup-generator emissions and limits on data centers’ use of behind-the-meter natural-gas generation. The article is an opinion piece and does not report a specific project decision.