Virginia Gov. Spanberger signs executive order restricting data center approvals and creates state AI task force
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed Executive Order 22, which bans executive branch officials from signing NDAs for data center projects, requires expedited noise regulations, and mandates a review of data centers' backup-generation operations. The order also creates a state AI task force to evaluate risks such as workforce displacement and data privacy, and to assess how existing law applies to AI harms. Alongside the order, Spanberger unveiled a non-binding 'Data Center Accountability Framework' outlining further priorities (eliminating by-right approval, removing some state subsidies, environmental guardrails, energy-price protections for residents) that are not yet enacted law.
Entities: Abigail Spanberger, Virginia, Piedmont Environmental Council, Chris Miller, Gavin Newsom, Kathy Hochul
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What happened
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger signed Executive Order 22, which bars executive branch officials from signing NDAs on data center projects, requires expedited noise regulations, and mandates a review of data centers' backup-generation operations. It also creates a state AI task force to study risks such as workforce displacement and data privacy. Alongside this, Spanberger released a non-binding "Data Center Accountability Framework" listing further priorities (ending by-right approval, cutting some state subsidies, environmental guardrails, energy-price protections) that are not yet law.
Why it matters
Virginia hosts the largest concentration of data centers in the world, so any siting or transparency rule there has outsized reach for the industry. The NDA ban and noise/backup-power reviews are enforceable now and could increase public disclosure and local pushback on new builds. The AI task force and the Accountability Framework are study and wish-list items, not binding rules, so their practical effect on operators is minimal until further legislation or regulation follows.
What is noise
The framing of this as a bold unilateral move alongside California, New York and Texas overstates its teeth: the most consequential-sounding items (ending by-right approval, removing subsidies, price protections) are explicitly non-binding proposals, not enacted law. The coverage relies on a press release with no link to the actual executive order text, so specifics of scope and enforcement cannot be independently verified here.
Watch next
- 01Whether the Virginia legislature introduces or passes bills codifying the Accountability Framework items (by-right approval repeal, subsidy cuts) in its 2026-27 session
- 02The state AI task force's first report or recommendations, and whether it leads to any binding AI legislation
- 03Whether Loudoun County or other localities cite the NDA ban or noise rules to block or delay specific data center permits in the next 6-12 months
Coverage
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