Virginia Moves to Restrain Data Centers and Form AI Task Force Under New Executive Order

Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger has signed Executive Order 22 to rein in data center expansion and establish a state artificial intelligence task force, according to a report by The Verge (https://www.theverge.com/policy/997573/virginia-governor-spanberger-data-center-ai-task-force). The measures aim to slow facility approvals and give local communities greater influence over tech infrastructure in a state recognized as a global hub for data centers.

Under Executive Order 22, executive branch officials are barred from signing non-disclosure agreements regarding data center projects. The directive also mandates expedited noise regulations, orders a review of backup-generation operations at data centers, and forms an AI task force to assess risks such as workforce displacement, data privacy vulnerabilities, and how existing state law applies to AI harms.

Alongside the order, Spanberger introduced a Data Center Accountability Framework. The framework outlines policy goals including eliminating "by-right approval"—a practice previously used in Loudoun County that allowed construction on certain parcels without additional approvals—removing selected state subsidies, instituting environmental guardrails, and protecting residents from data-center-related energy price hikes.

The move reflects an increasing trend of state-level tech oversight amid federal hesitation from Congress and President Donald Trump. On the same day, California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order assembling experts on AI safety, while New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott previously enacted executive measures to manage rapid data center growth.

While environmental groups cited in the governor's announcement supported the framework, some advocates argued it does not go far enough. The Piedmont Environmental Council, which has sought a moratorium on new development, told NBC News that the framework primarily sets standards for future facilities while leaving active operations and existing project pipelines unaddressed.