Virginia Senator Urges Governor to Pause Data Center Growth Amid Environmental and Zoning Concerns

State Sen. Glen Sturtevant Jr. (R-Colonial Heights) has formally requested that Governor Abigail Spanberger implement an executive order for a moratorium on data center development across Virginia. In a letter dated July 30, Senator Sturtevant emphasized that the rapid expansion of data centers is profoundly affecting the commonwealth's electric grid, water resources, land use, and electricity costs, arguing that these statewide issues cannot be adequately managed through disparate local zoning decisions.

Sturtevant's appeal comes ahead of a report on data centers from the Joint Subcommittee on Tax Policy, which is due to the General Assembly by December 15, 2026. He urged Governor Spanberger to halt new projects until the legislature has had a chance to review the subcommittee's findings and establish comprehensive regulations for the industry. Virginia currently leads the nation with over 340 data centers, and an additional 400 are projected to be built.

The senator's concerns are underscored by recent developments in various localities, particularly the Tri-City area. In Petersburg, the City Council approved zoning changes in 2024 to permit data centers in industrial zones and allow administrative approval of site plans. Subsequently, NuVu Real Estate and Wagner Properties have had site plans approved, while Menlo Properties and The Warrenton Group await approval. In Chesterfield County, Google is developing three data centers near an an Amazon facility. Dinwiddie County is reviewing plans for Haven Oak Technology Park, slated to become one of Southside Virginia's largest data centers, prompting county officials to reassure residents that no final decisions have been made.