Virginia governor unveils data center accountability framework | NBC4 Washington

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger unveiled a new executive order creating a "data center accountability framework," which she touts as the most comprehensive and aggressive effort of its kind in the nation. The initiative aims to increase transparency, strengthen environmental protections, lower energy costs, advance clean energy, and invest in Virginia's workforce. Reporter Drew Wilder detailed the order's provisions.

Key components of the framework include ending nondisclosure agreements for data center developments with local governments, ensuring greater public awareness. New zoning restrictions will require a special use permit for data centers larger than 25MW, removing the 'by right' development option. Environmental safeguards will impose new standards on emissions, noise, and water usage, along with requirements for existing data centers to retrofit for higher standards. To address energy concerns, the plan mandates data centers cover the full cost of solely their infrastructure needs and includes new limits on on-site natural gas power generation, a first for any state.

While Governor Spanberger called the standards 'high,' the Piedmont Environmental Council issued a statement applauding the step but arguing the framework does not go far enough. The organization expressed concerns about continued data center connections to an inadequate grid and ongoing water usage demands, advocating instead for a moratorium on data center construction.

Additionally, the governor announced the formation of an AI task force. This task force will develop policies to address risks associated with artificial intelligence, such as worker displacement, data privacy, and cybersecurity, with policy recommendations anticipated for the 2027 legislative session.