Virginia senator calls for data center moratorium
Senator Glen Sturtevant is calling for an immediate statewide moratorium on data center development in Virginia, citing concerns about electricity consumption and water resources. He has urged Governor Abigail Spanberger to issue an executive order for the pause while a legislative subcommittee studies the impacts. The Data Center Coalition opposes the moratorium, warning of significant economic losses for the state.
Virginia State Senator Glen Sturtevant has called for an immediate statewide moratorium on the approval and development of data centers across Virginia. The Republican senator, who represents parts of Central Virginia, expressed concerns about the impact of data centers on the state's electricity grid and water resources.
Sturtevant has sent a letter to Governor Abigail Spanberger, urging her to issue an executive order to establish this moratorium, which he suggests should last as long as necessary. He highlighted that a legislative subcommittee is currently studying the impacts of data centers in Virginia, with recommendations expected by December.
Democratic Senator Louise Lucas stated that while she still aims to remove a sales and use tax exemption for data centers, she considers a statewide moratorium a "serious proposal that deserves serious consideration." In contrast, Nicole Riley, Director of Virginia Government Affairs for the Data Center Coalition, issued a statement warning that a moratorium would signal that Virginia is "closed for business," potentially causing the state to lose significant long-term economic investment, high-wage jobs, and critical tax revenue to neighboring states. Riley also believes that the ongoing study should be allowed to conclude before any such action is taken.
Virginia currently hosts 371 operational data centers and has 436 planned projects, potentially bringing the total to over 800 in the coming years.