Virginia state senator introduces data center moratorium bill
State Sen. Russet Perry has introduced a bill that would pause approval of new data centers across Virginia for three years beginning July 1, 2027. Supporters cite concerns about electricity costs, water use, pollution and transmission infrastructure, while the Data Center Coalition warns a moratorium could jeopardize investment, jobs and tax revenue.
State Sen. Russet Perry, D-Loudoun, has proposed a three-year moratorium on approvals for new data centers in Virginia, starting July 1, 2027. Perry said the pause would give the state time to establish safeguards for water usage, energy consumption, pollution, siting and transmission lines. Republican state Sen. Glenn Sturtevant has also called for legislation to pause data center development, citing impacts on electric bills, water and other resources.
Nicole Riley, the Data Center Coalition's director of Virginia government affairs, opposed a moratorium, arguing that it could force jurisdictions to give up long-term economic investment, high-wage jobs and tax revenue. Gov. Abigail Spanberger's administration said the governor's recently announced data center accountability framework offers aggressive standards and that her office intends to work with lawmakers to protect Virginia's natural resources, but the framework does not call for a moratorium.