Virginia cuts some state support for new data centers drawing at least 25 megawatts
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger signed Executive Order 22 on September 18. The order bars new data-center projects with anticipated peak demand of at least 25 megawatts from specified state assistance programs. Those programs include site-readiness assistance and expedited review.
Verified 12:43 AM PDT · 2 original sources
The order also limits new nondisclosure agreements by executive agencies and creates an AI task force. It calls for proposals for the 2027 legislative session.
The order does not stop all data-center construction. Its disclosure rule also honors existing contracts.
Developers will need to distinguish between steps agencies must take now and measures lawmakers may pass later.
Virginia agencies must write procedures to carry out the order. Lawmakers will decide which other proposals become law.
Those steps could show whether communities learn about a project's resource demands before officials approve it.
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- Governor of VirginiaData Center Accountability Framework announcement ↗
- Commonwealth of VirginiaExecutive Order 22 ↗
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