Virginia governor orders new rules for data centers and starts AI task force

In short: Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed an executive order to tighten oversight of data centers and to create a state AI task force.

What happened

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger signed Executive Order 22, directing state agencies to take several steps that could slow down approvals for new data centers. Data centers are large buildings full of computers that store and process online information, like a giant warehouse for the internet.

The order bans officials in Virginia’s executive branch from signing non-disclosure agreements, also called NDAs, for data center projects. An NDA is a legal promise to keep details secret. The order also calls for faster action on noise regulations and for a review of the backup power systems used by data centers, which often rely on generators.

Spanberger also announced a “Data Center Accountability Framework” with additional priorities. It includes reducing “by-right approval,” which can let developers build on certain land without extra local sign-off, cutting some state subsidies, adding environmental guardrails, and trying to protect residents from higher energy prices linked to data center demand.

Separately, the executive order creates an AI task force. It will examine risks to Virginians, including job disruption and data privacy issues, and look at how current laws might apply when AI systems cause harm.

Why it matters

Virginia already hosts a huge share of the world’s data centers, especially in Northern Virginia. These projects can bring tax revenue, but they can also bring more noise, higher power use, and local fights over land use. The new order signals that Virginia, like other states, is trying to set clearer ground rules while national action on AI and data center growth moves slowly.

Source: The Verge AI