Spanberger Launches New Data Center Regulations
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger signed an executive order establishing a "Data Center Accountability Framework" to implement comprehensive data center standards. The framework aims to increase transparency, enforce environmental protections, lower energy costs, and improve grid reliability. This initiative includes new requirements for local permit approvals for data centers over 25 megawatts and efforts to address community concerns regarding data center impacts.
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger has signed an executive order establishing a "Data Center Accountability Framework" to address the rapid expansion and impacts of data centers in the state. The framework aims to enhance transparency, bolster environmental protections, reduce energy costs, and strengthen the clean energy economy and grid reliability.
The executive order outlines new standards, including eliminating by-right approval for data centers over 25 megawatts and requiring local permit approvals. It also mandates that the Office of the Chief Energy Officer develop a planning toolkit for localities, ban commercial NDAs for data centers with executive branch agencies, and provide incentives for developers to meet higher standards. The Department of Environmental Quality is tasked with expediting noise regulations and conducting cumulative-impact reviews, while Virginia Energy will identify opportunities for diversified data center development and improve grid reliability.
Elected officials, including Sen. Kannan Srinivasan and Del. John McAuliff, praised the framework as a crucial step towards protecting communities like Loudoun County, which has a high concentration of data centers. However, Mike Doble of the Piedmont Environmental Council argued that the plan does not go far enough, advocating for a moratorium on all new data center development to address existing and pipeline impacts. Nicole Riley, Director of Virginia Government Affairs for the Data Center Coalition, expressed the organization's willingness to engage with policymakers to ensure balanced policies that maintain Virginia's economic competitiveness.