Virginia governor creates data center accountability policy
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed an executive order to establish environmental protections and ensure transparency around data centers in the state. The order addresses concerns about energy and water use, emissions from backup generators, and bans non-disclosure agreements for projects. While some environmental groups support the framework, others are calling for a more stringent statewide moratorium.
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed an executive order on September 18 in Richmond, outlining a new state plan for environmental protections and transparency regarding data centers. The executive order is part of the governor's Data Center Accountability Framework, which aims to address the immense energy demand and environmental impacts, such as water supply and air quality concerns, in Virginia, often referred to as the "data center capital of the world."
The order implements several key measures: it bans employees under the governor’s supervision from signing non-disclosure agreements, which had previously allowed data center projects to be approved without public input. It also directs the state Department of Environmental Quality to complete a study by March 17, 2027, evaluating the cumulative impact of emissions from data center backup diesel generators. Furthermore, it prevents the Virginia Economic Development Partnership from expediting permits for facilities requiring over 25 megawatts of power. The framework also lists priorities for the 2027 legislative session, including establishing standards for energy efficiency, water use, land impacts, and decommissioning, as well as limiting the energy data centers can generate from on-site natural gas operations.
The policy has elicited mixed reactions. Labor unions have expressed concerns that stricter policies could lead data centers to leave Virginia, taking construction and maintenance jobs with them. Michael Town, executive director of the Virginia League of Conservation Voters, supports the initiative, emphasizing that the industry must be a "good neighbor" to continue operating in the state. Nicole Riley of the Data Center Coalition believes there's a path for continued job creation and responsible investment. However, some environmentalists, like the Piedmont Environmental Council, argue the policy does not go far enough and are urging Gov. Spanberger to call a special session to enact a statewide moratorium, similar to action taken in New York.