Va.’s data center boom shows how hard it is for lawmakers to rein in industry

Virginia's data center boom highlights the challenges lawmakers face in trying to rein in the industry. Critics argue the massive data centers are straining the power grid, threatening the environment, and receiving lucrative tax breaks, but the industry's fierce opposition has made it difficult to pass meaningful reforms. Democratic lawmakers have proposed legislation to curb data center growth, including repealing sales tax exemptions. However, industry groups and some Democratic leaders are resisting these efforts, showing how entrenched the data center industry has become in Virginia.