Virginia Orders AI Task Force, Tightens Data Center Rules in Executive Order 22
Updated
Updated · The Verge · Sep 18
Virginia Orders AI Task Force, Tightens Data Center Rules in Executive Order 22
3 articles · Updated · The Verge · Sep 18
Summary
Executive Order 22 bars Virginia executive-branch officials from signing data-center NDAs and orders faster noise rules plus a review of backup generators, steps that could give communities more leverage and slow approvals.
The order also creates an AI task force to assess risks including workforce displacement and data privacy, and to determine how existing state law can be applied to AI-related harms.
Spanberger paired the order with a Data Center Accountability Framework that calls for ending some by-right approvals, trimming certain state subsidies, adding environmental guardrails and shielding residents from higher power costs.
Virginia’s move adds to a broader state-led push on AI and data centers as federal action remains limited; California, New York and Texas have also taken executive steps.
Environmental groups largely praised the package, though the Piedmont Environment Council said it does not address facilities already built or in the development pipeline.