A Roanoke Delegate Helped Write Virginia's New Data Center Law. Here's What It Does, and What It Doesn't
A new Virginia law, Section 15.2-2209.5, effective July 1, 2026, mandates disclosures for large data centers seeking specific local approvals. It requires developers to study noise impacts and utilities to reveal substation plans but does not impose limits on either. The law, championed by Delegate Sam Rasoul of Roanoke, clarifies local officials' powers while stopping short of setting statewide caps on noise or water use.
Virginia's new data center law, Section 15.2-2209.5, took effect on July 1, 2026, requiring developers of "high energy use facilities" (HEUFs) — defined as needing 100 megawatts or more — to conduct site assessments for noise impacts on residential units and schools within 500 feet. It also mandates that electric utilities disclose information about new or existing substations and anticipated transmission voltage for such facilities. Del. Sam Rasoul of Roanoke was one of ten patrons for the legislation.
While the law compels studies and disclosures, it does not set statewide limits on noise, water usage, or minimum setbacks, leaving much discretion to individual localities. The measure emerged from debates in Northern Virginia, particularly Prince William County, over concerns about data center noise, substations, and water use. Governor Abigail Spanberger signed the 2026 version after Governor Glenn Youngkin vetoed a broader 2025 bill due to concerns about reduced local autonomy.
Localities like Roanoke City are now proposing specific zoning amendments, such as allowing data centers in Industrial Planned Unit Development districts via special exception, subject to public review. Franklin County's draft zoning ordinance includes setbacks for data centers, and Botetourt County recently sold 312 acres to Google for a data center campus projected to use 2 to 8 million gallons of water daily. The new state law would require a sound study and substation disclosure for a project of Google's scale if it sought rezoning today, with an optional water study if the locality chose to ask.
Other related legislation includes an energy consumption tax on data centers, HB 496 requiring water use reporting, and HB 323 directing a study on waste heat. The State Corporation Commission also ordered data centers to cover the cost of exclusive transmission infrastructure. The article emphasizes that the statewide law is a disclosure statute, not a veto, and that many critical decisions regarding data center development remain with local officials.