Virginia governor signs executive order taking on data centers, AI
Virginia's Governor signed an executive order establishing a framework for data center accountability and creating an AI Task Force. The order bans state agencies from using non-disclosure agreements for data center projects and mandates a review of diesel backup generators.
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger signed Executive Order 22 to address growing concerns about data centers and artificial intelligence across the state. This order aims to enhance data center accountability and transparency, responding to public concerns regarding their impact.
The executive order includes several key provisions: it bans state agencies from entering non-disclosure agreements related to data center projects, creates a toolkit to help localities secure more favorable terms, expedites reviews concerning noise pollution, and mandates a review of diesel and other backup generators used by these facilities. The Governor emphasized that many Virginians are rightly concerned about rising energy bills and the lack of transparency in data center developments.
Governor Spanberger also highlighted the