Spanberger announces Virginia data center framework and AI task force

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger announced a new data center accountability framework through an executive order, following months of controversy surrounding data center development in the Commonwealth. The executive order aims to increase transparency by banning nondisclosure agreements for commercial projects between local governments and data center companies. Governor Spanberger is also calling on the legislature to establish water use standards, update state regulations, and impose limits on electricity data centers generate on site, emphasizing the need to prioritize grid access for data centers that use clean energy while aligning with Virginia's clean energy goals.

The Governor addressed the challenge of powering the energy-intensive industry, acknowledging that solar power alone is insufficient, even with large developments like the 6,300-acre solar farm in Spotsylvania County. She noted that the plan considers battery storage and various renewable energy types. The proposal, however, does not address the community costs or disruptions caused by new high-capacity transmission lines.

The framework has drawn criticism from both sides of the political spectrum. Top Democrat Senator Louise Lucas expressed disappointment, stating the governor is "finally feeling the heat but still ignoring the fire" for not ending the $2 billion in sales tax exemptions provided to data centers. Republican state Senator Glen Sturtevant echoed similar sentiments, arguing the order doesn't do enough to slow data center development and noting the governor's rejection of his proposal for a moratorium on data center approvals. The Data Center Coalition stated it shares Governor Spanberger's goals for Virginia to attract economic opportunities from the data center industry.