Perry Proposes Statewide Data Center Moratorium Bill
Sen. Russet Perry proposed SB843, a bill that would impose a three-year statewide moratorium on new data center approvals in Virginia. The proposal is intended to give the state time to assess grid capacity, transmission impacts and rising costs for electricity customers.
Virginia Sen. Russet Perry released draft legislation, SB843, that would halt new data center approvals statewide for three years. The bill would prevent local governments from approving projects requiring rezoning, special exceptions, special-use permits or site plans, while also barring state approvals tied to data center development and related electric infrastructure.
The proposed moratorium would begin July 1, 2027, and expire July 1, 2030. Perry said the pause is necessary to establish safeguards for the rapidly expanding industry and evaluate its effects on transmission systems, residential utility bills, homes, schools, churches and farms.