Gov. Spanberger unveils accountability framework for data centers, launches AI taskforce
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger has unveiled a comprehensive Data Center Accountability Framework, aiming to increase transparency, protect residents from high energy bills, and enforce stronger environmental standards. The framework includes banning non-disclosure agreements, requiring local approval for large data centers, and ending state subsidies. While some elements require future legislation, core parts are being implemented immediately via executive order.
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger has introduced what she describes as the nation's most comprehensive and aggressive Data Center Accountability Framework. Unveiled on Friday, the initiative aims to provide communities with transparent information regarding data center approvals, protect Virginians from increased energy costs, and enforce the country's strongest environmental standards for these facilities.
The framework is structured around five core requirements: enhancing transparency, bolstering environmental protections, reducing energy expenses, strengthening the clean energy economy, and ensuring equitable benefits for Virginia workers. Key provisions include prohibiting non-disclosure agreements for commercial data center projects, eliminating by-right approval processes, and mandating local government approval for any data center consuming over 25 megawatts of power. Additionally, the plan seeks to equip communities with better negotiation tools, cease state subsidies for data centers in Virginia’s site development programs, and remove large data centers from expedited permitting.
During her announcement, Governor Spanberger signed an executive order to immediately implement certain directives from the framework. However, she noted that many aspects of the plan will require legislative action during the 2027 General Assembly session. Concurrently, she also established Virginia’s Artificial Intelligence Task Force, which will address emerging risks associated with AI's rapid development, such as workforce displacement, data privacy, and cybersecurity concerns.