Virginia Proposes Environmental Justice Guidance for Data Center and Industrial Permits
Virginia is updating draft environmental justice guidance to require developers to consider the cumulative effects of pollution on vulnerable communities. The guidance would apply to some data centers with fossil fuel-based power sources, but it is not mandatory and remains open for public comment.
The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality has released draft guidance for assessing cumulative environmental impacts on environmental justice communities during permitting. The proposed process would consider factors including income, race, greenhouse gas emissions, nearby industrial facilities and existing pollution, and could lead developers to redesign, relocate or mitigate projects.
Data centers would be included when they use onsite fossil fuel-based power sources, such as generators. The guidance is not legally binding, although DEQ said assessments could influence permit conditions. Public comments are open through Oct. 23, with a final version expected by the end of the year and implementation planned for next spring.