Virginia lawmakers split on Gov. Spanberger’s new data center executive order
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger issued a new executive order aimed at increasing oversight and accountability for the booming data center industry in the state. The move has garnered mixed reactions from lawmakers, with some supporting it as a positive first step while others remain skeptical of its impact. The debate is expected to continue in the General Assembly, with discussions on energy, water, and potential moratoriums.
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger's new executive order, designed to introduce an accountability framework and tighten oversight on the state's expanding data center industry, has sparked division among state lawmakers.
Democratic Del. Sam Rasoul from the 38th District endorsed the executive order as a necessary initial step to manage the substantial energy and water consumption by data centers and their broader environmental effects. In contrast, Republican Sen. Mark Peake of the 8th District doubted the order's efficacy, contending that its influence would be minimal given that most related issues are local. Republican Sen. David Sutterlein of the 4th district also voiced concerns that the order might not adequately address non-disclosure agreements.
Since many of Spanberger's proposals necessitate legislative action, both Rasoul and Peake anticipate that the data center debate will be a key agenda item for the General Assembly in January. John Fishwick, former U.S. Attorney for the Western District, commented that while local governments currently hold considerable decision-making power, the governor and General Assembly collectively possess the authority to halt data center development.
Lawmakers also weighed in on the prospect of a moratorium. Senator Peake generally opposes governmental intervention in private enterprise but supports empowering local communities with transparency and information. Delegate Rasoul, however, indicated his support for a moratorium, citing the state's lack of a long-term strategy for data centers' energy and water demands, their impact on electric bills, and the ongoing issue of substantial tax breaks provided to the industry.