Virginia Gov issues new guidelines on data centers
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger issued an executive order implementing new standards for data centers, focusing on backup generators, noise, and on-site electricity generation, and called for an end to "by-right" zoning. The move, while deemed the most aggressive nationally, faces criticism from environmental groups like the Piedmont Environmental Council for not including an immediate statewide moratorium. Meanwhile, the Data Center Coalition expressed concerns about the potential economic impact of abrupt policy changes.
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger has issued a sweeping executive order introducing new regulations for the data center industry in the state. The directives target the operation of diesel backup generators, aim to expedite new noise regulations, and restrict the amount of electricity data centers can generate from on-site natural gas. Governor Spanberger also advocated for an end to "by-right" zoning across Virginia, emphasizing that future data center developments must adhere to these higher standards.
The Governor's plan, while described as the country's most aggressive, has drawn criticism from environmental advocates. The Piedmont Environmental Council, which has long opposed data center expansion, called for stronger measures, specifically a full moratorium on all new data center development and applications to thoroughly address their environmental and community impacts. Governor Spanberger responded by stating that decisions regarding development pauses are best made at the local level, citing Loudoun County's current consideration of such a measure.
A significant portion of Governor Spanberger's proposal, particularly ending "by-right" zoning, requires legislative action from the Virginia General Assembly and is not expected to be considered until 2027. This means many existing and in-pipeline data centers in areas like Loudoun County, which has 250 operational data centers and 100 more planned, will not be immediately affected by this specific change.
The Data Center Coalition, representing the industry, acknowledged sharing the Governor's goals but warned that sudden policy shifts could negatively impact the sector, which they claim supports tens of thousands of jobs in Virginia. The group also asserted that data centers already cover their full electricity costs without burdening residential consumers.