Some Virginia localities are ending "by right" regulations for data centers
Multiple Virginia localities are moving to end "by-right" data center development, requiring projects to undergo public input and direct approval from local government bodies. Chesapeake has enacted an eight-month moratorium to craft new regulations for these power and water-intensive facilities. This issue is becoming a significant topic in local elections across the state.
Local governments across Virginia are implementing measures to control or pause data center development, citing concerns over their significant water and power consumption. The city of Chesapeake has enacted an eight-month moratorium to allow time to craft new regulations for data centers. Michelle Ueltschi of the Chesapeake Climate Action Network noted that data centers previously developed "by-right" in Chesapeake due to a loophole in city code, but new regulations will require City Council approval and public input for all future projects.
Chesterfield County and Loudoun County are similarly ending "by-right" development, mandating that data center projects receive approval from their respective Boards of Supervisors. Legal expert Rich Kelsey from Loudoun County stated this change will provide counties with better negotiation leverage regarding data center permits and allow for control over aspects like generator types, though he doesn't expect it to halt development entirely. The regulation of data centers is rapidly becoming a key issue for candidates in local city council and board of supervisors elections throughout Virginia.