Executive Order on Data Center Oversight Draws Mixed Reactions
Virginia's Governor Abigail Spanberger signed Executive Order 22, establishing new oversight for data center development across the state. This plan introduces stricter environmental standards for energy efficiency, water use, and noise, and requires local approval for large projects. While proponents see it as a step to protect Virginians, opponents argue it doesn't go far enough and call for a full moratorium on data center construction.
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger signed Executive Order 22, rolling out new oversight for data center development across the state. The order establishes stricter environmental standards focusing on energy efficiency, water use, and noise. It also mandates local approval for data center projects consuming more than 25MW of power and bans non-disclosure agreements within state executive agencies.
Supporters of the order, like the unnamed community spokesperson, believe it gives local communities a stronger voice in discussing data center development, including potential locations and impacts. However, the Data Center Coalition, while sharing the Governor's goals, warned that rapid and abrupt policy changes without meaningful stakeholder engagement could prove unworkable and jeopardize the industry's tangible benefits.
Opponents, on the other hand, argue that the stricter rules do not adequately address the strain data centers place on power grids and watersheds. They are actively calling for a full moratorium on data center construction, citing too much evidence of potential harm to communities. The Governor has described her executive order as the "most aggressive plan in the country" to protect Virginians, though she clarified it is not a moratorium.