Governor Abigail Spanberger of Virginia announced protections governing data center development through an executive order and comprehensive policy framework. The measures target several environmental concerns associated with data center expansion, including air quality degradation, water consumption, reliance on fossil fuels, and limited public transparency.
Key provisions of the executive order include directing the state to transition away from pollution-intensive Tier II diesel generators used for backup power at data centers. The order also expands avenues for community participation in decision-making processes related to facility development and operation. Additionally, the framework incorporates incentive structures designed to encourage data center operators to adopt clean energy power sources for their operations.
Another significant component restricts the use of blanket Non-Disclosure Agreements that have historically prevented communities from accessing detailed information about data center environmental effects. State officials acknowledged that while the executive order represents the strongest protections Virginia has implemented to date, additional legislative action from all branches of government will be required to address existing environmental damage and prevent future harm.
Connor Kish, director of the Sierra Club’s Virginia chapter, characterized the action as establishing accountability for technology companies. The environmental organization expressed support for both the executive order and the proposed Data Center Accountability Framework, indicating willingness to collaborate with state officials and lawmakers from both political parties to advance the proposed environmental protections.
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