Virginia Budget Standoff Over Data Center Tax Exemption and Environmental Standards
Virginia's General Assembly is in a budget standoff due to disagreement over a nearly billion-dollar annual tax exemption for data centers. The tax break, which cost the state $928 million in fiscal year 2023, is debated for its economic benefits vs. costs to ratepayers for power infrastructure. An independent audit found most jobs created are temporary construction roles, and data centers contribute to higher utility costs for residents.

