Virginia Unveils Data Center…Virginia Unveils Data Center Accountability Framework

Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed Executive Order 22 and introduced a broader Data Center Accountability Framework to increase transparency, strengthen environmental safeguards and give communities more influence over large data center projects. The measures would require local approval for facilities above 25 megawatts, end certain state subsidies and fast-track permitting, and shift more grid-related costs to data centers. The framework also addresses water use, backup generation, clean energy, workforce development and community engagement, while a new AI Task Force will examine workforce displacement, privacy and cybersecurity risks.