Virginia governor creates an AI task force and moves to restrain data centers

Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed Executive Order 22 imposing new limits on data center development and creating an AI task force to assess emerging risks. The order bars executive-branch officials from signing nondisclosure agreements related to data center projects, requires expedited noise regulations, and mandates a review of backup-generation operations used by facilities. The AI task force is charged with evaluating harms such as workforce displacement and data-privacy risks, and with identifying how existing state law can be applied to AI-related harms.

Alongside the order, a “Data Center Accountability Framework” aims to give communities more control by eliminating by-right approvals, curbing some state subsidies, establishing environmental guardrails, and protecting residents from data-center-driven increases in energy prices. The moves position Virginia - long the world’s data-center capital - among several states taking regulatory action as federal policy lags; California, New York, and Texas governors have pursued related executive measures. Environmental groups largely praised the steps, though some, like Piedmont Environmental Council, argue the package doesn’t go far enough because it doesn’t address already built projects or the large pipeline of developments currently impacting communities.