Governor Abigail Spanberger of Virginia signed Executive Order 22, implementing the Data Center Accountability Framework to regulate the rapid expansion of data centers across the state.
The order bans nondisclosure agreements for commercial data center projects and requires local approval for any facility consuming more than 25 megawatts of power. Data centers will be removed from the state's fast-track permitting process and no longer qualify for subsidies in state development programs.
Environmental standards address energy efficiency, water use, and land impacts. The state will establish clear water consumption standards and increase enforcement against violations. Data centers must meet grid reliability standards to prevent sudden electricity demand changes from destabilizing the grid.
To protect ratepayers, utilities will be required to allocate a more equitable share of transmission and generation costs to large data center customers. The state will also review diesel backup generator operations at existing and future facilities and expedite new noise regulations.
Workforce provisions include prioritizing local hiring, Virginia businesses in procurement, responsible contractor standards, and apprenticeship programs.
Spanberger also signed an executive order creating Virginia's Artificial Intelligence Task Force to address workforce displacement, data privacy, and cybersecurity concerns stemming from rapid AI development.
The governor plans to seek permanent enactment of the framework into state law during the 2027 legislative session.