Governor Abigail Spanberger announced a new executive order and policy framework designed to address environmental impacts associated with data center development across Virginia. The announcement, made in Richmond, introduces several regulatory measures aimed at mitigating effects on air quality, water consumption, energy sourcing, and public disclosure of facility impacts.
Key provisions of the executive order include efforts to phase out pollution-intensive Tier II diesel generators used for backup power at data centers. The framework also expands opportunities for community participation in decision-making processes related to facility development and deployment. Additionally, the order establishes incentive mechanisms to encourage adoption of clean energy sources by data center operators and prohibits the use of blanket Non-Disclosure Agreements that would prevent public access to information about environmental and community effects of these facilities.
The Sierra Club Virginia Chapter characterized the executive order as the most comprehensive environmental protection measure targeting data center operations that the state has implemented to date. Chapter Director Connor Kish stated that major technology companies have historically avoided responsible development practices without regulatory pressure, noting that the announcement represents a meaningful shift toward accountability. The Sierra Club indicated its willingness to collaborate with state leadership and lawmakers from both political parties to implement the framework’s provisions through additional legislative action.
State officials indicated that the policy framework, referred to as the Data Center Accountability Framework, encompasses multiple substantive measures intended to guide future development and remediate existing environmental consequences. The announcement suggests that coordination across different levels of government will be necessary to fully realize the framework’s objectives and address both current and prospective environmental impacts from data center operations in the state.
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