Virginia State Senator Proposes Statewide Data Center Moratorium
State Senator Glen Sturtevant has proposed a moratorium on data center construction in Virginia, citing concerns about developers moving to Central Virginia after facing rejections in Northern Virginia. While Delegate Joshua Cole notes growing public opposition, Governor Abigail Spanberger's office opposes a moratorium, highlighting current state efforts in energy consumption taxes and environmental protections. The Virginia Sierra Club supports a pause until policy safeguards are established.
State Senator Glen Sturtevant, a Republican representing Colonial Heights, has proposed a moratorium on data center construction and development across Virginia. Sturtevant contends that, as Northern Virginia localities like Loudoun and Fairfax counties become less welcoming to data center proposals, developers are increasingly targeting Central Virginia, including the Richmond area, which he represents. He expressed a desire to prevent his district from becoming "the next Data Center Alley."
Delegate Joshua Cole, a Democrat from Fredericksburg, while not yet endorsing a moratorium, acknowledged a significant decline in public approval for data centers not just in Prince William County and Fredericksburg, but throughout Virginia and the U.S. He suggested that public sentiment might push for legislative action when the General Assembly convenes in January.
Conversely, Governor Abigail Spanberger's administration does not support a moratorium, differentiating Virginia's approach from states like New York, which recently implemented one. A spokesperson for the governor stated that Virginia is demonstrating national leadership by enacting a new energy consumption tax and concurrently elevating standards for environmental protection and noise pollution related to data center operations. The Virginia Sierra Club has also voiced support for a moratorium, advocating for a pause until the General Assembly establishes a comprehensive framework of policy safeguards.