Virginia state senator calls for data center moratorium
Virginia State Senator Glen Sturtevant has formally requested Governor Abigail Spanberger to issue an executive order for an immediate moratorium on data center approval and development statewide. He argues that data center expansion should be paused until clear regulations on their environmental and health impacts are established. The Data Center Coalition has voiced opposition, stating that such moratoriums deter business.
Virginia State Senator Glen Sturtevant has urged Governor Abigail Spanberger to implement an immediate moratorium on data center development across the state. Senator Sturtevant, who represents the Richmond and Chesterfield County areas, sent a letter to the Governor requesting an executive order to halt approvals and construction of data centers. He argues that "data centers cannot continue advancing while we are still deciding whether they can operate at all and what rules should govern them," citing concerns over their health and environmental impact.
The proposal aligns with earlier statements from Governor Spanberger, who expressed interest in discussing data center moratoriums and stricter regulations with lawmakers. However, Josh Riley, the Virginia director for the Data Center Coalition, opposes such measures. In a statement, Riley asserted that "moratoriums on data centers send a signal that Virginia is not open for business, both for data centers and other significant economic industries." He emphasized the industry's role as a significant economic driver in Virginia, supporting over 79,000 jobs.
As of the report, Governor Spanberger has not publicly responded to Senator Sturtevant's letter, leaving the debate over the future of data center development in Virginia ongoing.