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Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed Executive Order 22, directing state agencies to strengthen oversight of data center development while creating a task force to examine risks linked to artificial intelligence. The measures could give local communities greater influence over projects and slow some approvals.
New Controls for Data Centers
The order bars executive branch officials from signing non-disclosure agreements connected to data center projects. It also calls for faster development of noise regulations and a review of the backup-generation systems used by data centers.
Spanberger also introduced a Data Center Accountability Framework that prioritizes ending some forms of by-right approval, reducing certain state subsidies, establishing environmental safeguards and protecting residents from data center-related increases in energy prices.
AI Risks Under Review
The newly established AI task force will assess how Virginia’s government can respond to concerns including workforce displacement and data privacy. It is also charged with determining how existing state law could apply to harms involving AI.
Local and State Impact
The changes are particularly relevant to communities facing rapid data center construction, including areas where qualifying projects have previously proceeded without additional local approvals. Virginia’s action follows executive measures in California, New York and Texas addressing AI safety or data center expansion.
Limits of the Measures
Some environmental advocates argued that the policy does not fully address facilities already operating or projects currently in the development pipeline. The Piedmont Environment Council, which has advocated for a moratorium on new development, said the framework concentrates largely on standards for new data centers rather than existing community impacts.
Source: Virginia governor creates an AI task force and moves to restrain data centers
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