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ARTICLE · 25 SEPTEMBER 2026

Executive Order 22 Updates Guidance To Virginia Data Center Developers

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On September 18, 2026, Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger issued Executive Order 22: Establishing New Nation-Leading Standards and Initiatives to Implement the Virginia Data Center Accountability...

United StatesEnergy and Natural Resources
David M. Solberg
David M. Solberg
Joshua Sturtevant
Joshua Sturtevant
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On September 18, 2026, Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger issued Executive Order 22: Establishing New Nation-Leading Standards and Initiatives to Implement the Virginia Data Center Accountability Framework and Responding to Unprecedented Risk from Artificial Intelligence (the “Order”).

The Order directs implementation of the Virginia Data Center Accountability Framework (the “Framework”), a set of standards intended to protect ratepayers and natural resources. The Order also creates a rapid-response Artificial Intelligence Task Force to respond to risks the Administration attributes to advances in AI.

The Framework sets out five foundational pillars that data center developers and operators must address to do business in the Commonwealth: engaging transparently with communities; protecting the environment; improving affordability for Virginians; advancing clean energy and grid reliability; and workforce benefits.

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