Virginia Proposes Data Center Rules and Creates AI Task Force

Governor Abigail Spanberger introduced a Data Center Accountability Framework for the Commonwealth of Virginia, according to Government Technology. She also signed Executive Order 22, which immediately restricts confidentiality agreements for data center projects and creates an AI task force.

The proposed framework would require local approval for data centers using more than 25 megawatts and assign more electricity generation and transmission costs to data centers and other large customers. It also covers water use, noise, backup power emissions and financial commitments from developers. Projects that use clean energy and reduce natural gas use and generator emissions would receive priority for grid access.

The AI task force will develop policy and legislative proposals covering workforce displacement, data privacy and cybersecurity. Some data center measures took effect through the executive order and agency directives, while others will require approval from the General Assembly during its 2027 session.