Virginia governor acts on data centers

Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed Executive Order 22 to slow data center approvals and give local communities more say in development in the state that hosts the world's data center capital.

Executive order bans secrecy agreements

The order prohibits state officials from signing nondisclosure agreements for data center projects and requires expedited noise regulations and review of backup power operations.

AI task force to address workforce risks

The executive order establishes an AI task force to evaluate risks like workforce displacement and data privacy, and determine how existing laws can address AI harms.

Data center accountability framework unveiled

Spanberger introduced a framework eliminating by-right approvals like those in Loudoun County, removing subsidies, establishing environmental guardrails, and protecting residents from energy price increases.

States move faster than Congress

Virginia joins California, New York, and Texas in taking executive action on data centers and AI as Congress and President Trump remain slow or resistant to sweeping changes.

Environmental groups want more action

While environmental organizations praised the order, some wish it went further. The Piedmont Environmental Council wanted a moratorium on new development to address existing impacts.

“It largely addresses standards on new data centers and does not deal with what's already built and in the pipeline”