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ARTICLE · 13 OCTOBER 2026

Virginia Launches Data Center Accountability Framework

Beveridge & Diamond, P.C.
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Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger's Executive Order 22 introduces a comprehensive Data Center Accountability Framework that fundamentally reshapes how data centers will be developed, permitted, and operated in the Commonwealth. The sweeping initiative addresses transparency, environmental protection, energy costs, grid reliability, and community engagement while establishing an AI Task Force and designating the Office of the Chief Energy Officer to coordinate implementation. With immediate changes to non

United StatesEnvironment
K. Russell LaMotte
K. Russell LaMotte
Jessalee L. Landfried
Jessalee L. Landfried
Zachary B. Pilchen
Zachary B. Pilchen
Daniel B. Schulson
Daniel B. Schulson
Nicole J. Waxman
Nicole J. Waxman
Lia M. Crutchfield
Lia M. Crutchfield

What happened: On September 18, 2026, Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger signed Executive Order (EO) 22, launching a sweeping Data Center Accountability Framework to promote transparency, environmental protection, energy affordability, grid reliability, and workforce and economic benefits in the Commonwealth. The EO establishes an AI Task Force to address the “unparalleled risks posed by unregulated AI development,” and names the Office of the Chief Energy Officer (OCEO) as the lead for coordinating implementation of the EO. With the EO, Governor Spanberger seeks to “lead the nation and this industry in setting the standard for what responsible data center development means.”

Who’s Impacted: Data center developers, owners, and operators in Virginia; companies considering new Virginia data center sites or expansions; utilities and other energy providers; local governments; and companies involved in data center construction, equipment, energy, water, and related infrastructure in

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