Spanberger talks data centers, energy and progressive Democrats in interview with Politico
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger discussed the state's stance on data centers, emphasizing their impact on energy prices and the importance of maintaining strong environmental laws within the industry. She highlighted concerns about rising energy costs in Southwest Virginia and advocated for innovation in zero-carbon energy generation to achieve greater energy stability.
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger recently discussed data centers, energy costs, and the upcoming midterm elections during an interview with Politico's Energy Podcast. Governor Spanberger defended Virginia's commitment to hosting data centers, arguing that if they locate elsewhere within the PJM grid, it could negatively impact Virginia's energy prices.
She also stressed the importance of Virginia's environmental laws in regulating the data center industry, noting that allowing the industry to proliferate in states with lower environmental protections could have national consequences. The Governor addressed rising energy costs, particularly in Southwest Virginia, attributing them partly to past policies and global conflicts.
Spanberger advocated for innovation in energy generation, including zero-carbon technologies and fuel cell usage, to enhance energy stability and potentially mitigate price fluctuations for consumers. She also commented on the trend of progressive candidates in Democratic primaries ahead of the 2026 midterms, acknowledging the diverse voices that will shape the new Congress.