Spanberger outlines proposed plan on data centers
Governor Abigail Spanberger has proposed a plan for data centers in Virginia, aiming to ban non-disclosure agreements, implement new environmental standards, and ensure data centers cover full infrastructure costs. She also signed an executive order to enact parts of the plan not requiring legislative approval, such as speeding up noise regulations. The plan has received mixed reactions within the General Assembly.
Governor Abigail Spanberger has unveiled a comprehensive plan addressing data center development in Virginia, much of which will require approval from the General Assembly. A key component of her proposal is to enhance transparency by prohibiting non-disclosure agreements between localities and data center developers. The plan also mandates new environmental standards and seeks to ensure that data center operators bear the full cost of infrastructure necessitated by their operations, rather than the public.
To immediately implement certain aspects of her vision, Governor Spanberger signed an executive order. This order bans non-disclosure agreements between executive branch agencies and employees and data center developers, and aims to accelerate the implementation of new data center noise regulations.
Governor Spanberger stated that Virginia should lead the nation in setting high standards for the data center industry. Her plan has elicited a divided response among members of the General Assembly, with Democratic Senator Louise Lucas criticizing it while Democratic House Speaker Scott praised it. Republican House Minority Leader Terry Kilgore also voiced opinions on parts of the governor's plan.