Virginia Governor proposes new data center standards; lawmakers question scope
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger has announced a proposal for new, aggressive standards for data centers in the state. However, some state senators believe the proposal does not go far enough, specifically noting its lack of a statewide moratorium on future data center development.
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger introduced a proposal in Richmond, aiming for the "most aggressive standard for data centers in the country." Virginia currently hosts over 600 data centers, more than any other state or even country. The governor's initiative comes amid significant local opposition to data center development across the state.
State Senators Louise Lucas, a Democrat, and Glenn Sturdivant, a Republican, both expressed concerns that the governor's package of proposals does not go far enough. Specifically, they noted the absence of a statewide moratorium on future data center development, a measure adopted by states such as New York and Texas. The public is invited to comment on whether Spanberger's proposal is adequate or if a moratorium should be implemented.