Gov. Spanberger proposes new data center rules for Virginia; reaction is mixed

Key Points:

• Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger announced a comprehensive "Data Center Accountability Framework" aimed at increasing transparency, environmental protections, lowering energy costs, advancing clean energy, and supporting Virginia's workforce amid rapid data center growth.
• The framework includes an executive order banning non-disclosure agreements for data center projects, fast-tracking noise regulations, requiring local approval for large data centers, and limiting gas-powered backup generation, while also promoting clean energy investments.
• Critics argue the plan lacks measures such as a moratorium on new data centers and ending tax breaks for the industry, with some calling it too lenient and others warning abrupt changes could harm economic benefits.
• The framework mandates stronger energy efficiency, water use, and land impact standards, equitable allocation of energy costs to data centers, and prioritizes local hiring and workforce development through labor standards and apprenticeship programs.
• Additionally, the plan establishes a new AI Task Force to address risks from artificial intelligence, including workforce displacement, data privacy, and cybersecurity, citing federal inaction on these issues.