Virginia Governor Issues Data Center Order, Sierra Club Praises Move

Governor Abigail Spanberger signed an executive order and released a policy framework that introduces protections for data center development in Virginia. The order aims to curb certain consequential impacts associated with the growth of data centers, such as environmental and infrastructure pressures. The Sierra Club welcomed the announcement, noting that the measures represent a proactive step toward balancing technological expansion with state environmental safeguards. While the order’s specific provisions are not fully detailed in the brief release, the framework signals a new regulatory approach that could shape future data center projects across the Commonwealth. The policy’s emphasis on mitigation measures reflects growing attention to the sector’s footprint in state planning.