Spanberger Outlines Five Points in New Data Center Framework
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger has outlined a new five-point framework for data center accountability, addressing rapid industry expansion and its impacts on electric bills, water, land, and air. The framework aims to increase transparency, strengthen environmental protections, lower energy costs, bolster clean energy, and benefit Virginia workers.
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger has introduced a new five-point framework for data center accountability, stating that the state is at an "inflection point" due to the industry's rapid expansion without a clear plan to address its impacts on Virginians' electric bills, water, land, air, and quality of life. The Governor emphasized the urgency for a comprehensive plan with regulations and high standards, which she believes will set the highest standards in America.
The framework's first requirement focuses on increasing transparency and community voice by banning non-disclosure agreements for commercial projects and mandating community benefits agreements. It also proposes eliminating 'by right approval' for data centers above 25 megawatts, requiring local permit approvals instead. The second point strengthens environmental protections, introducing new high standards for emissions, water usage, noise pollution, and land use, with provisions for retrofitting existing facilities, as detailed by Virginia's Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources, David Boliva.
Thirdly, the plan aims to lower energy costs for Virginia families and small businesses by ensuring data center companies pay the full cost of infrastructure necessitated by their operations, preventing them from driving up energy costs for other residents. The fourth requirement targets bolstering Virginia's clean energy economy and grid reliability. It prioritizes grid access for data centers that source clean energy faster than mandated by the Clean Economy Act, reduces emissions from backup generators by 60%, and limits onsite natural gas electricity generation, a step unique among states. Virginia's Chief Energy Officer, Josephus Alman, will provide further details on this aspect.
Finally, the framework seeks to deliver a better deal for Virginia workers by prioritizing the training and hiring of local workers for both construction and long-term employment. It also emphasizes the use of Virginia-made sustainable materials and technology in data center construction and grid infrastructure, including local wood products, mass timber, batteries, and electric equipment.