# Virginia governor restrains data centers with new AI task force

> Gov. Spanberger signs executive order to slow data center approvals and create an AI safety task force.
- Title: Virginia governor restrains data centers with new AI task…
- Summary: Gov. Spanberger signs executive order to slow data center approvals and create an AI safety task force. States are moving faster than Congress to regulate…
- Keywords: abigail spanberger, virginia, data centers, ai regulation, executive order, loudoun county, ai task force, environmental policy, state regulation, workforce displacement, technology, culture
- Source: The Verge — https://theverge.com/policy/997573/virginia-governor-spanberger-data-center-ai-task-force
- Author: Lauren Feiner
- Published: 2026-09-18T18:29:17+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: abigail spanberger, virginia, data centers, ai regulation, executive order, loudoun county, ai task force, environmental policy, state regulation, workforce displacement, technology, culture
## 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
## Key takeaway

States are moving faster than Congress to regulate data centers and AI, with Virginia joining California, New York, and Texas in taking executive action.