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Virginia Governor Moves to Tighten Oversight of Large Data Center Projects

September 18, 2026 at 12:38 EDT

Infra & Chips
Policy & Regulation

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger unveiled a new Data Center Accountability Framework on September 18, 2026, and signed Executive Order 22 to begin implementing parts of it immediately. The plan targets the rapid expansion of AI-era computing infrastructure by ending secrecy around projects, shifting more grid costs to large users, and requiring stronger local review for facilities that use more than 25 megawatts of power.

Sept. 18, 2026 · Virginia

A new gate for AI infrastructure

Virginia's framework would end by-right approval for data centers above 25 MW, shift more grid costs to large users, and start immediate action on transparency, noise, backup power, and AI risk oversight.

25 MW

Local approval trigger

176 MW

Plaza 500 substation design

2027

Target legislative session

$9.1B

Estimated annual GDP impact

Why 25 MW changes the review

25 MW

Framework trigger

176 MW

Example project supply

The Fairfax example is about seven times the proposed review threshold.

What the framework tries to change

Transparency

Ban NDAs and add local planning tools

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Cost allocation

Push more grid costs to large users

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Standards

Tighten noise, water, backup power, and grid rules

Support case

Backers say communities need a vote, clearer project information, cleaner operations, and protection from infrastructure costs driven by large power users.

Industry concern

Developers and utilities argue data centers support essential digital services, local tax revenue, reliability upgrades, and major investment.

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