Gov. Abigail Spanberger announced a new framework Thursday aimed at increasing oversight of data centers in Virginia and signed an executive order directing state agencies to immediately implement several of the proposed measures.
The Data Center Accountability Framework focuses on data center transparency, environmental protections, energy costs, clean energy, grid reliability and workforce development. Spanberger also signed Executive Order 22, which includes a ban on non-disclosure agreements for data center projects involving state agencies and establishes a new artificial intelligence task force.
“My administration is committed to supporting and strengthening the industries that power economic growth in local communities across our Commonwealth,” Spanberger said. “These strategic investments reflect that focus: fostering innovation and building durable pathways to good jobs that support long-term economic security for Virginia families.”
Under the framework, Spanberger is proposing to ban non-disclosure agreements for commercial data center projects and require local approval for data centers using more than 25 megawatts of power. The framework also calls for ending state subsidies for data centers through Virginia’s site development programs and removing future large data centers from the state’s fast-track permitting process.
The framework calls for new standards addressing data center energy efficiency, water use, land impacts and backup generation. It also would require reviews of the cumulative impacts of diesel backup generators and establish water-use standards for data centers.
On energy, the framework proposes requiring utilities to allocate a greater share of electric transmission and generation costs to data centers and other large-load customers. It also calls for stronger financial commitments from developers and would direct costs associated with PJM Interconnection processes for rising energy demand to the data centers driving that demand.
The plan also calls for measures to strengthen grid reliability, limit electricity generated by data centers using on-site natural gas or behind-the-meter gas generation, and make it easier for data centers to use their own clean energy.
Workforce provisions include prioritizing local hiring, encouraging workforce training goals, prioritizing Virginia businesses in procurement and contracting, and supporting apprenticeship programs and project labor agreements where possible.
Through Executive Order 22, Spanberger directed state agencies to begin implementing several portions of the framework. The order prohibits executive branch agencies and other entities under the governor’s supervision from entering into or requiring non-disclosure agreements for data center projects.
The order also directs the creation of a Data Center Planning and Community Engagement Toolkit for local governments, expedites development of state noise regulations for data centers and calls for a review of diesel and other backup-generation operations.
The order creates Virginia’s Artificial Intelligence Task Force, which will examine issues associated with the development of artificial intelligence, including workforce displacement, data privacy and cybersecurity.
“My administration is also taking action to respond to the risks being posed to Virginians by the rapid development of AI technology,” Spanberger said. “Today’s Executive Order will create a new AI Task Force to address several of the top concerns I’ve heard across the Commonwealth.”
Additional measures in the framework would require legislation from the General Assembly during its 2027 session.
Spanberger said the framework builds on actions taken earlier this year involving data center energy costs, transmission infrastructure, backup generators and water use.
The governor’s office said the framework is intended to give local communities more information and a greater role in data center development while addressing potential effects on energy, water, land and air.
