Virginia Governor Establishes AI Task Force, Moves to Restrain Data Centers
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger has launched an AI task force and initiated steps that could give local communities more say in data center development and slow down approvals.
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger has directed state government to take steps that could empower local communities with a greater voice in data center development and slow down approvals in a state already home to the world's data center capital.
Executive Order 22 bans executive branch officials from signing non-disclosure agreements for data center projects, requires expedited noise regulations, and mandates a review of backup generation operations used by data centers.
The order also establishes an AI task force responsible for evaluating how the state government can address risks to Virginians, such as concerns regarding noise and energy consumption.
The state's move to balance technological growth with community concerns reflects a broader discussion on the impact of data center infrastructure on local environments and resources.