Virginia lawmakers will consider several bills pausing data centers development as concerns grow over energy, water use, and infrastructure demands.
Virginia lawmakers are considering several bills that would temporarily pause new data center development. One proposal would establish a three-year statewide moratorium, while others would limit new projects until the electrical infrastructure needed to support existing facilities is in place. The proposals come as concerns grow over rising electricity costs, water use, and the demands data centers place on local infrastructure. Virginia already has nearly 400 operating data centers, with hundreds more planned.
Developments in Virginia will likely impact the conversation in Annapolis come the 2027 legislative session. Supporters of moratoriums argue that a temporary pause would give the government officials more time to address a wide range of concerns. Opponents, warn that restrictions could affect jobs, investment, and local tax revenues. For counties, the debate highlights many of the same questions facing local governments: how to balance the economic benefits of data centers with their impacts on infrastructure, utility costs, and surrounding communities.
