The record by year
On the record as of October 27, 2026.
An act sits on the day it happened: the day its own sentence names, or the day its source gives for it. An act the record knows only from the date of the article that reported it sits under that article's month, one tap away, marked Reported with the article's date. So do background, plans and statements, which are not acts. The same act reported by several sources is one line with the reports behind it, on its day where any of them dates it. The milestones alone, for every state, are on the timeline.
40 acts on the line for Virginia, from 185 dated lines in the records' histories and the scorecard. 49 more acts are dated only by the article that reported them and sit under their month. 13 lines report an act already listed. 83 lines are background, plans or statements. 14 lines sit on a date other than the one they were filed under, because their own sentence names the day, the month or the year it happened; each says so. Where a line sits is read from its own words and the row is never changed (how dates are read).
2026 28 acts on the line from 40 reports; 48 reported, dated only by the article; 83 lines of background, plans and statements
October 2026 No acts on the line; 1 line of background, plans and statements
Also on the record for October 2026, not acts of their own: 1 line of background, plans and statements
City Council set to vote on data center ban on October 21
suffolknewsherald.com (opens in a new tab) (a planned date)
September 2026 13 acts on the line from 24 reports; 40 reported; 78 lines of background, plans and statements
Chesterfield County supervisors voted on allocating tax revenue from planned Google data center campuses.
yahoo.com (opens in a new tab), national outlet
Prince William Board of County Supervisors voted 8-0 on September 22, 2026 to end by right data center development countywide, requiring special use permits for future projects
rappnews.com (opens in a new tab), news outlet
3 more reports of this
- Reported September 23 Prince William Board of County Supervisors voted 8-0 to approve zoning text amendment ending by right data center development countywide wtop.com (opens in a new tab)
- Reported September 23 Prince William County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to eliminate automatic approvals and data center opportunity overlay district, requiring special use permits and public hearings for all future data center projects nbcwashington.com (opens in a new tab)
- Reported September 23 Prince William County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to reduce Data Center Opportunity Zone Overlay District from 9,700 acres to 3,650 acres, eliminating by right development outside the overlay and requiring special use permits. patch.com (opens in a new tab)
Prince William County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to shrink the Data Center Opportunity Zone Overlay District
virginiabusiness.com (opens in a new tab), local outlet
Governor Spanberger signed Executive Order 22 on September 18, 2026, establishing Virginia's Data Center Accountability Framework with five pillars: engage transparently with communities, protect the environment, improve affordability for Virginians, advance clean energy and grid reliability, and deliver a better deal for the workforce.
unite.ai (opens in a new tab), trade press
Governor Spanberger announced Executive Order 22 on data center accountability on September 18, 2026.
annandaletoday.com (opens in a new tab), local outlet
4 more reports of this
- Sep 18 Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger announced new data center accountability framework for the state on Friday (before publication date) patch.com (opens in a new tab)
- Sep 19 Gov. Abigail Spanberger announced a new accountability framework for data center regulation on Friday, September 19, 2026. wset.com (opens in a new tab)
- Reported September 22 Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger announced a Data Center Accountability Framework that calls for data centers to help stabilize the electric grid while limiting on site natural gas generation. foxnews.com (opens in a new tab)
- Reported September 23 Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger announced Data Center Accountability Framework and signed Executive Order 22 directing state agencies to increase transparency and environmental oversight commercialobserver.com (opens in a new tab)
Governor Spanberger unveiled a Data Center Accountability Framework on Friday with five pillars: transparency, environmental protections, lowering energy costs, promoting clean energy, and protections for local workers
theroanokestar.com (opens in a new tab), local outlet
Governor Spanberger signed Executive Order 22 on September 18, 2026, establishing Data Center Accountability Framework requiring transparency, environmental protections, clean energy acceleration, worker benefits, and banning nondisclosure agreements on data center projects.
parametric-architecture.com (opens in a new tab), trade press
3 more reports of this
- Sep 18 Governor Spanberger signed Executive Order 22 on September 18, 2026 banning state agencies from requiring non disclosure agreements for data center projects hanfordsentinel.com (opens in a new tab)
- Sep 18 Gov. Spanberger signed Executive Order 22 on September 18, 2026, establishing data center accountability framework with ban on nondisclosure agreements, requirement for local permits for facilities over 25 MW, and community benefit agreement standards. loudountimes.com (opens in a new tab)
- Sep 18 Gov. Spanberger signed an executive order on September 18, 2026 to establish environmental protections and transparency around data centers bayjournal.com (opens in a new tab)
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed an executive order on Friday implementing a data center accountability framework that bans use of non disclosure agreements, expedites data center noise regulation development, and directs review of diesel and backup generators.
notus.org (opens in a new tab), national outlet
1 more report of this
- Reported September 23 Governor Spanberger signed Executive Order 22 banning state agencies from non disclosure agreements on data center projects, establishing stronger standards for noise, emissions, water use, and reviewing backup power generation operations broadbandbreakfast.com (opens in a new tab)
Virginia unveiled a Data Center Accountability Framework on September 18 requiring data centers to cover infrastructure costs, meet water and environmental standards, and provide financial protections against stranded infrastructure.
environmentenergyleader.com (opens in a new tab), trade press
On Thursday, the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission met to hear a presentation on data centers and discuss how the county will treat their development
roanoke.com (opens in a new tab), local outlet (the weekday its sentence names, the last before the report; filed under Sep 22, 2026)
Scott County Planning Commission tabled proposed zoning amendment allowing data centers on September 14, 2026 after two hours of public opposition
virginiastar.net (opens in a new tab), local outlet
Carroll County Board of Supervisors passed emergency ordinance to regulate hyperscale data centers on Monday September 14 at called meeting; vote was 5 to 1 against Jody Early.
thegazette.com (opens in a new tab), local outlet
In 2017, Meta began searching for a site for its eighth East Coast data center.
vedp.org (opens in a new tab), primary source (dated only by the report that carried it, so under the month of the report)
Reported in September 2026, dated only by the article that carried them: 40 acts
Framework directs that large load users carry equitable share of generation and transmission costs, preventing residential customers from absorbing bulk of infrastructure built for data centers.
parametric-architecture.com (opens in a new tab), trade press (dated only by the report that carried it, so under the month of the report)
Amendment established 90 day grace period for data centers with approved site plans or already built or under construction
wtop.com (opens in a new tab), local outlet (dated only by the report that carried it, so under the month of the report)
Lawmakers added a tax in the state budget for the energy data centers use
bayjournal.com (opens in a new tab), local outlet (dated only by the report that carried it, so under the month of the report)
Order directs Virginia Department of Environmental Quality to submit a study by March 17, 2027 evaluating cumulative impact of emissions from backup diesel generators at data centers
bayjournal.com (opens in a new tab), local outlet (dated only by the report that carried it, so under the month of the report)
State Corporation Commission approved nearly a mile of new transmission lines between proposed Edsall Road substation and existing Van Dorn substation
alxnow.com (opens in a new tab), news outlet (dated only by the report that carried it, so under the month of the report)
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger issued an executive order aimed at regulating data centers in Virginia
wtop.com (opens in a new tab), local outlet (dated only by the report that carried it, so under the month of the report)
Governor Spanberger proposed eliminating automatic local approval for any data center using more than 25 megawatts of power
broadbandbreakfast.com (opens in a new tab), trade press (dated only by the report that carried it, so under the month of the report)
Governor Spanberger proposed removing large data centers from Virginia's fast track permitting process
broadbandbreakfast.com (opens in a new tab), trade press (dated only by the report that carried it, so under the month of the report)
Governor Spanberger proposed ending state subsidies for data centers in site development programs
broadbandbreakfast.com (opens in a new tab), trade press (dated only by the report that carried it, so under the month of the report)
Supervisors approved 90 day transition period for properties within overlay, rejecting motion to eliminate grace period entirely.
patch.com (opens in a new tab), local outlet (dated only by the report that carried it, so under the month of the report)
Prince William County Board of Supervisors approved changes ending by right data center development and shrinking Data Center Opportunity Zone Overlay District from 9,698 acres to 3,641 acres
commercialobserver.com (opens in a new tab), trade press (dated only by the report that carried it, so under the month of the report)
Virginia Loudoun County moved future projects to special exception process
commercialobserver.com (opens in a new tab), trade press (dated only by the report that carried it, so under the month of the report)
Virginia created an Artificial Intelligence Task Force through Executive Order 22 focused on workforce displacement, data privacy and cybersecurity as part of Data Center Accountability Framework.
thecentersquare.com (opens in a new tab), national outlet (dated only by the report that carried it, so under the month of the report)
Spanberger signed a bill by Del. Rip Sullivan that increased Virginia's energy storage goals to 1,600 megawatts of storage capacity at homes and businesses.
foxnews.com (opens in a new tab), national outlet (dated only by the report that carried it, so under the month of the report)
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger established a rapid response task force to react to data center development
realtor.com (opens in a new tab), national outlet (dated only by the report that carried it, so under the month of the report)
Planning commission recommended a 120 day grace period for developers; supervisors were also considering eliminating the grace period entirely.
patch.com (opens in a new tab), local outlet (dated only by the report that carried it, so under the month of the report)
Virginia fined a Microsoft data center for emissions violations.
virginiamercury.com (opens in a new tab), local outlet (dated only by the report that carried it, so under the month of the report)
Governor Spanberger issued executive order tasking legislature to write regulations on data center transparency, environmental protections, energy costs, clean energy, and local worker focus
bondbuyer.com (opens in a new tab), trade press (dated only by the report that carried it, so under the month of the report)
Representative Suhas Subramanyam introduced four bills aimed at reforming how data centers are sited and operate
bondbuyer.com (opens in a new tab), trade press (dated only by the report that carried it, so under the month of the report)
For any data center air permit application submitted on or after July 1, 2026, DEQ may not issue the permit unless it establishes emissions limits for engine generator sets equal to or less than emissions achieved by a Tier 4 equivalent, with selective catalytic reduction, diesel oxidation catalyst, and diesel particulate filter or equivalents.
hunton.com (opens in a new tab), primary source (dated only by the report that carried it, so under the month of the report)
Governor Spanberger signed Executive Order 22 limiting state assistance to new data centers expected to demand at least 25 megawatts of electricity
thecentersquare.com (opens in a new tab), national outlet (dated only by the report that carried it, so under the month of the report)
Spanberger signed Executive Order 22 banning non disclosure agreements between executive branch agencies and data center developers, creating a new AI Task Force, and speeding up work on new noise regulations for data center operations
theroanokestar.com (opens in a new tab), local outlet (dated only by the report that carried it, so under the month of the report)
Loudoun County Board of Supervisors voted 7-1 on motion to pause data center applications for 12 months, effective immediately
datacenterdynamics.com (opens in a new tab), trade press (dated only by the report that carried it, so under the month of the report)
1 more report of this
- Reported September 16 Loudoun County Board of Supervisors voted 7-1-1 to direct staff to prepare a 12 month pause resolution on data center and substation applications, effective September 15, 2026. yahoo.com (opens in a new tab)
Several high profile projects in Prince William County were recently halted due to sustained community opposition
ground.news (opens in a new tab), national outlet (dated only by the report that carried it, so under the month of the report)
The framework strengthens emissions, water usage, noise pollution, and land use standards for data centers.
annandaletoday.com (opens in a new tab), local outlet (dated only by the report that carried it, so under the month of the report)
An AI Task Force was created to develop policies on workforce displacement, data privacy, and cybersecurity risks from AI, led by Dave Wilkinson, Matt McGuire, and Traci DeShazor.
annandaletoday.com (opens in a new tab), local outlet (dated only by the report that carried it, so under the month of the report)
Order expedites development of data center noise regulations and directs agencies to develop regulations for emissions, water use and energy costs
hanfordsentinel.com (opens in a new tab), local outlet (dated only by the report that carried it, so under the month of the report)
Virginia Beach approved one year moratorium on data centers
hanfordsentinel.com (opens in a new tab), local outlet (dated only by the report that carried it, so under the month of the report)
Chesapeake implemented eight month moratorium on data center applications
hanfordsentinel.com (opens in a new tab), local outlet (dated only by the report that carried it, so under the month of the report)
Governor announces statewide data center accountability framework including transparency requirements, mandated full payment of energy costs, and creation of statewide AI task force
c-span.org (opens in a new tab), national outlet (dated only by the report that carried it, so under the month of the report)
Governor Spanberger released a framework banning non disclosure agreements that shield data center development and requiring local input and support before larger data center projects move forward
cbf.org (opens in a new tab), news outlet (dated only by the report that carried it, so under the month of the report)
Framework sets and enforces water use standards for data centers and ensures data center investment in projects that compensate for the water they take
cbf.org (opens in a new tab), news outlet (dated only by the report that carried it, so under the month of the report)
Virginia introduced HB 1515 for moratorium on data center final approval until July 2028 or grid interconnection fulfilled.
mashable.com (opens in a new tab), national outlet (dated only by the report that carried it, so under the month of the report)
Google purchased the output of a 79 megawatt wind power plant in Botetourt County
cardinalnews.org (opens in a new tab), local outlet (dated only by the report that carried it, so under the month of the report)
Planning Commission recommended extending the eligibility window from 90 to 120 days after adoption on September 9
theminermag.com (opens in a new tab), trade press (dated only by the report that carried it, so under the month of the report)
Planning Commission recommended a 500 foot separation from existing homes and schools for projects qualifying through the transition provision
theminermag.com (opens in a new tab), trade press (dated only by the report that carried it, so under the month of the report)
Supervisors voted 8-0 to reject a comprehensive plan amendment for Dulles South Innovation Center, a proposed campus covering about 1,940 acres with 43 million square feet of data center space
theminermag.com (opens in a new tab), trade press (dated only by the report that carried it, so under the month of the report)
Microsoft fined $2.499 million penalty for emissions permit violation; largest civil penalty Virginia Department of Environmental Quality has secured from a data center.
loudountimes.com (opens in a new tab), local outlet (dated only by the report that carried it, so under the month of the report)
At least 25 people attended the meeting with 11 speaking during public comment period, all in opposition to potential data center
cardinalnews.org (opens in a new tab), local outlet (dated only by the report that carried it, so under the month of the report)
In Virginia, 25 of 31 localities with existing, approved or proposed data centers had signed NDAs with developers
newsweek.com (opens in a new tab), national outlet (dated only by the report that carried it, so under the month of the report)
Also on the record for September 2026, not acts of their own: 78 lines of background, plans and statements
The overlay district allows data centers to be built by right within its parameters; the countywide amendment will drastically shrink the size and scope of the overlay from its originally adopted form which dates back over a decade to May 2016
rappnews.com (opens in a new tab) (a description, not an act)
The amendment includes a 90 day grace period for qualifying projects already built or being built in the county, as well as those already with a site plan that has passed the quality control threshold
rappnews.com (opens in a new tab) (a description, not an act)
The Planning Commission is aiming for a November 2026 public hearing on setback proposal, with a board hearing targeted for January 2027
rappnews.com (opens in a new tab) (a description, not an act)
Framework requires all data centers expected to draw more than 25 megawatts to obtain local permit approval regardless of prior zoning, ending by right approvals.
parametric-architecture.com (opens in a new tab) (a description, not an act)
Framework mandates community benefit agreements as concrete listed benefits to nearby residents.
parametric-architecture.com (opens in a new tab) (a description, not an act)
Framework establishes VA LEAD voluntary scoring system similar to LEED covering energy, water, noise, workforce, clean power and community benefits.
parametric-architecture.com (opens in a new tab) (a description, not an act)
Executive Order 22 creates AI Task Force led by senior administration officials to examine workforce displacement, data privacy and cybersecurity risks linked to AI expansion.
parametric-architecture.com (opens in a new tab) (a description, not an act)
Governor signaled she will work with General Assembly in 2027 session to write framework standards into statute.
parametric-architecture.com (opens in a new tab) (a plan or a schedule, not an act yet)
Future data center projects will require special use permit instead of by right development
wtop.com (opens in a new tab) (a plan or a schedule, not an act yet)
Planning Commission set to consider 120 day grace period and 500 foot setback buffer proposal, with November public hearing targeted
wtop.com (opens in a new tab) (a plan or a schedule, not an act yet)
Budget language requires new data centers in cooling water scarcity areas to minimize water use for cooling servers
bayjournal.com (opens in a new tab) (a description, not an act)
Executive order bans employees under the governor's supervision from signing non disclosure agreements on data center projects
bayjournal.com (opens in a new tab) (no act in the sentence)
Order prevents Virginia Economic Development Partnership from expediting permits for facilities needing more than 25 megawatts of power
bayjournal.com (opens in a new tab) (a description, not an act)
Framework lists 2027 legislative session priorities including energy efficiency standards, water use standards, land impact standards and data center decommissioning standards
bayjournal.com (opens in a new tab) (a description, not an act)
Gov. Spanberger plans to limit energy data centers can generate from on site natural gas operations
bayjournal.com (opens in a new tab) (a plan or a schedule, not an act yet)
Facilities could connect to grid first if they reduce generator emissions by 60 percent or bring clean energy five years faster than Virginia Clean Economy Act requires
bayjournal.com (opens in a new tab) (a plan or a schedule, not an act yet)
March for a Moratorium march scheduled for 12 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10 in Alexandria to call for Virginia moratorium on data centers
alxnow.com (opens in a new tab) (a plan or a schedule, not an act yet)
Virginia General Assembly to adopt new data center standards during its 2027 session
alxnow.com (opens in a new tab) (no act in the sentence)
Data Center Opportunity Zone Overlay District expected to shrink from about 9,700 acres to roughly 3,641 acres
virginiabusiness.com (opens in a new tab) (a plan or a schedule, not an act yet)
Property owners have 90 days to file certain data center related applications to remain in the reduced district
virginiabusiness.com (opens in a new tab) (a description, not an act)
Virginia proposing legislation for 2027 session to eliminate by right approval for data centers using more than 25 megawatts
commercialobserver.com (opens in a new tab) (a plan or a schedule, not an act yet)
Spanberger framework requires stronger upfront financial commitments from developers and override by right zoning for data centers
starexponent.com (opens in a new tab) (a description, not an act)
Framework calls for water use rules for data centers and requirements for backup power generators with lower emissions
starexponent.com (opens in a new tab) (a statement; who said what is on the statements pages)
Framework calls for data centers to hire locally and set hiring and training goals
starexponent.com (opens in a new tab) (a statement; who said what is on the statements pages)
Virginia moves to cap on site gas generation
naturalgasintel.com (opens in a new tab) (no act in the sentence)
Executive Order 22 also establishes state level AI Task Force to examine workforce displacement and data privacy risks linked to AI expansion.
loudountimes.com (opens in a new tab) (a description, not an act)
Framework proposes banning by right data center zoning statewide to require local permit approval.
loudountimes.com (opens in a new tab) (a plan or a schedule, not an act yet)
Governor Spanberger signaled that key framework standards will be written into statute during 2027 General Assembly session.
loudountimes.com (opens in a new tab) (a plan or a schedule, not an act yet)
Prince William County Board of Supervisors is expected to vote on zoning changes to restrict by right data center development, shrinking the Data Center Opportunity Zone Overlay District.
patch.com (opens in a new tab) (a plan or a schedule, not an act yet)
Two supervisors said that although they opposed large hyperscale facilities and wanted stricter regulations on all data center development, they may be open to an enterprise facility
roanoke.com (opens in a new tab) (a statement; who said what is on the statements pages)
Governor Spanberger pushes data center transparency and NDA disclosure.
virginiamercury.com (opens in a new tab) (no act in the sentence)
Loudoun County holding two open house meetings on September 28 and 30, 2026 to discuss phase two data center policy standards
patch.com (opens in a new tab) (no act in the sentence)
By October 1, 2026, and annually thereafter, the SCC must collect and report aggregated data on all electric service agreements with data centers, including their electric load.
hunton.com (opens in a new tab) (a description, not an act)
Starting January 1, 2027, public water utilities and other significant water users that supply water to data centers will be required to separately report the total volumes of potable and reclaimed/non potable water provided to data centers each month.
hunton.com (opens in a new tab) (a plan or a schedule, not an act yet)
By July 1, 2027, DEQ must establish criteria for determining Cooling Water Scarcity Areas where evaporative cooling could harm water quality.
hunton.com (opens in a new tab) (a description, not an act)
Data centers in designated Cooling Water Scarcity Areas will have until July 1, 2032, to demonstrate to DEQ that they have minimized water use for cooling and are employing best available water efficient technologies including air cooling, closed loop systems, recycled water, stormwater reuse, non potable reclaimed water, or other approved technologies.
hunton.com (opens in a new tab) (a plan or a schedule, not an act yet)
New data centers in the Eastern Virginia Groundwater Management Area that submit a complete air permit after January 1, 2027, must demonstrate that they have minimized water use for cooling and are using best available water efficient technologies.
hunton.com (opens in a new tab) (a description, not an act)
DEQ must research and provide by October 15, 2026, a plan for retrofitting existing data centers in the Eastern Virginia Groundwater Management Area to use air cooling systems, 100 percent recycled water and/or stormwater for cooling, or a closed loop system.
hunton.com (opens in a new tab) (a description, not an act)
DEQ must adopt regulations establishing the lowest achievable noise for a data center by December 31, 2029.
hunton.com (opens in a new tab) (a description, not an act)
Beginning January 1, 2030, a data center in violation of noise regulations could face civil penalties of up to $32,500 per day from DEQ or the locality.
hunton.com (opens in a new tab) (a plan or a schedule, not an act yet)
Virginia Department of Energy was required to submit a report by September 1, 2026, identifying opportunities for beneficial use of waste heat from data centers.
hunton.com (opens in a new tab) (a description, not an act)
Starting on July 1, 2026, industrial facilities requiring 100 megawatts or more from an electric utility will be subject to additional site assessment requirements in applicable rezoning applications, special exceptions, or special use permits.
hunton.com (opens in a new tab) (a plan or a schedule, not an act yet)
The framework proposes eliminating by right local approval for data centers that draw more than 25 megawatts of power, requiring public hearings instead
theroanokestar.com (opens in a new tab) (a plan or a schedule, not an act yet)
The framework proposes eliminating data center access to Virginia's fast track permitting process
theroanokestar.com (opens in a new tab) (a plan or a schedule, not an act yet)
Emergency ordinance requires data centers to use closed loop cooling system and cannot use groundwater as primary cooling source.
thegazette.com (opens in a new tab) (a description, not an act)
Ordinance limits noise to 70 decibels at adjacent property between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., 60 decibels between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.; violations are class 3 misdemeanor with up to $500 fine.
thegazette.com (opens in a new tab) (a description, not an act)
Ordinance requires surety bond to cover decommissioning costs and data center owners must pay for utility rate increases and upgrades.
thegazette.com (opens in a new tab) (a description, not an act)
Emergency ordinance is in effect for 60 days and will be incorporated into comprehensive plan; separate motion to consider amendments to comprehensive plan passed unanimously.
thegazette.com (opens in a new tab) (a description, not an act)
Loudoun County had already removed data centers as a by right zoning option and is exploring removing by right status to grandfathered projects
datacenterdynamics.com (opens in a new tab) (a description, not an act)
Microsoft has until November 2026 to formally appeal the SCC decision on transmission cost assignment
utilitydive.com (opens in a new tab) (a description, not an act)
Dominion Energy has October 2026 deadline to file proposed amended policy regarding mandatory CIAC for transmission facilities
utilitydive.com (opens in a new tab) (a description, not an act)
The Data Center Accountability Framework eliminates by right approvals for any data center generating more than 25 megawatts.
annandaletoday.com (opens in a new tab) (no act in the sentence)
Non disclosure agreements for commercial data center projects are banned under the framework.
annandaletoday.com (opens in a new tab) (a description, not an act)
The framework requires community benefits agreements for data center projects.
annandaletoday.com (opens in a new tab) (a description, not an act)
The Office of the Chief Energy Officer must publish a Data Center Planning and Community Engagement Toolkit within 120 days.
annandaletoday.com (opens in a new tab) (a description, not an act)
The framework requires data center companies to pay the full cost of infrastructure needed solely because of their operations.
annandaletoday.com (opens in a new tab) (a description, not an act)
Virginia will prioritize grid access for data centers that source clean energy five years faster than required and reduce emissions from backup generators by 60 percent.
annandaletoday.com (opens in a new tab) (a plan or a schedule, not an act yet)
Virginia will limit the amount of electricity data centers can generate from on site natural gas.
annandaletoday.com (opens in a new tab) (a plan or a schedule, not an act yet)
Future data center projects are prohibited from using Virginia's fast tracked permitting process on large business ready sites.
annandaletoday.com (opens in a new tab) (a description, not an act)
Executive Order 22 creates new AI task force and directs state to develop environmental regulatory standards for data centers
hanfordsentinel.com (opens in a new tab) (a description, not an act)
Executive Order eliminates by right approval for data centers using more than 25 megawatts, requiring local approval
hanfordsentinel.com (opens in a new tab) (no act in the sentence)
Framework applies only to new data centers in Virginia
c-span.org (opens in a new tab) (a description, not an act)
Framework limits the amount of electricity data centers can generate from on site natural gas and closes loopholes that allow these emissions to bypass RGGI requirements
cbf.org (opens in a new tab) (a description, not an act)
DEQ must accelerate timeline for developing statewide noise regulations for data centers, with proposed timeline and workplan due within 180 days.
natlawreview.com (opens in a new tab) (a description, not an act)
DEQ must review cumulative impacts from diesel and other backup generation operations at data centers and evaluate lower emission alternatives, with findings and recommendations due within 180 days.
natlawreview.com (opens in a new tab) (a description, not an act)
DEQ required to develop criteria to designate cooling water scarcity areas.
natlawreview.com (opens in a new tab) (no act in the sentence)
Prince William County will vote to repeal zoning rules for one area of the county where data centers can be built without approval
nbcwashington.com (opens in a new tab) (a plan or a schedule, not an act yet)
Appalachian Power plans the Daleville Area Transmission Improvements Project to connect Google to the grid, involving upgrading nearly 20 miles of transmission line with completion expected in late 2029
cardinalnews.org (opens in a new tab) (a plan or a schedule, not an act yet)
Google proposes three data center buildings of about 300,000 square feet each, three electric substations, a 28,000 square foot office building, and associated roads and parking at Botetourt Center
cardinalnews.org (opens in a new tab) (a plan or a schedule, not an act yet)
Prince William County supervisors scheduled for September 22 to consider restrictions that would subject more data center projects to individual review
theminermag.com (opens in a new tab) (a plan or a schedule, not an act yet)
Loudoun County supervisors scheduled to discuss possible data center moratorium at business meeting Tuesday at 4 p.m.
fox5dc.com (opens in a new tab) (a plan or a schedule, not an act yet)
Staff recommendation is that Loudoun County board take no action on data center moratorium
fox5dc.com (opens in a new tab) (a description, not an act)
Homeowner alleges construction has caused brown tap water, flooding near the property, and cracks in his home (alleged in the filing, not a finding)
yahoo.com (opens in a new tab) (a description, not an act)
Survey of NRV Commerce Park website showed 102 responses; 95 percent opposed data centers in Pulaski County
pcpatriot.com (opens in a new tab) (no act in the sentence)
New Jersey and Virginia are considering regulations to prevent data centers from shifting increased power usage costs to customers
wyomingpublicmedia.org (opens in a new tab) (a plan or a schedule, not an act yet)
Virginia's Loudoun County is considering limits on new data centers after decades of rapid growth
baltimoresun.com (opens in a new tab) (a plan or a schedule, not an act yet)
The first phase went online in August 2020.
vedp.org (opens in a new tab) (no act in the sentence)
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger is working with the state House of Delegates to establish a committee to focus on data center accountability.
wvgazettemail.com (opens in a new tab) (a description, not an act)
August 2026 7 acts on the line; 3 reported; 3 lines of background, plans and statements
Microsoft filed notice of appeal on August 28, 2026 with Virginia Supreme Court to preserve ability to challenge the SCC decision on transmission cost assignment
utilitydive.com (opens in a new tab), trade press
Stafford County Planning Commission backed a new 590,000 square foot data center complex.
wjla.com (opens in a new tab), local outlet
Hanover leaders recommended approval of the Iron Horse data center campus.
wric.com (opens in a new tab), local outlet
Chesapeake adopted a data center ordinance on August 18 with no noise limit included
virginiamercury.com (opens in a new tab), local outlet
Community town hall held on August 18, 2026 at Studio Two Three in Richmond focused on data center expansion opposition
styleweekly.com (opens in a new tab), local outlet
A data center proposal in Franklin County was dropped.
wdbj7.com (opens in a new tab), local outlet
Yondr Group and Cerberus Capital Management acquired a 40 acre site in Manassas for a planned 72 MW data center campus expected to enter service in 2029.
datacenterfrontier.com (opens in a new tab), trade press
Reported in August 2026, dated only by the article that carried them: 3 acts
Prince William County's Data Center Ordinance Advisory Group raised noise standards by 6 decibels over consultant recommendations
virginiamercury.com (opens in a new tab), local outlet (dated only by the report that carried it, so under the month of the report)
Prince William dissolved the resident Data Center Ordinance Advisory Group and adopted a different measurement approach with advisory standards
virginiamercury.com (opens in a new tab), local outlet (dated only by the report that carried it, so under the month of the report)
By 2008, Loudoun County launched a marketing push to lure more data center facilities to the area
moneywise.com (opens in a new tab), national outlet (dated only by the report that carried it, so under the month of the report)
Also on the record for August 2026, not acts of their own: 3 lines of background, plans and statements
DEQ report warns that groundwater east of Interstate 95 is declining in availability in the near future and the Potomac aquifer would not be able to handle any major new permits for water withdrawals
virginiamercury.com (opens in a new tab) (a statement; who said what is on the statements pages)
In 2000, Loudoun's zoning administrator determined that data centers could be treated like office buildings and built by right in office zoned areas without Board of Supervisors approval
moneywise.com (opens in a new tab) (a plan or a schedule, not an act yet)
Hanover County leaders recommend approval of Iron Horse data center campus
wric.com (opens in a new tab) (no act in the sentence)
July 2026 2 acts on the line from 3 reports
Virginia's new budget established a first of its kind electricity consumption tax on data centers of 1.1 cents per kilowatt hour, began July 1 and is capped at $600 million in annual collections.
datacenterfrontier.com (opens in a new tab), trade press (the day its own sentence names; filed under Aug 5, 2026)
1 more report of this
- Jul 1 Virginia imposed an electricity consumption tax July 1 at 1.1 cents per kilowatt hour on every data center operator through June 30, 2028 thecentersquare.com (opens in a new tab)
Virginia State Corporation Commission ordered Dominion Energy to directly assign some costs of transmission to large load facilities in July 2026
utilitydive.com (opens in a new tab), trade press (the month its own sentence names; no day is given; filed under Sep 18, 2026)
June 2026 1 act on the line; 1 reported
Iron Horse data center proposal deferred in Hanover County
facebook.com (opens in a new tab), social media (dated only by the report that carried it, so under the month of the report)
Reported in June 2026, dated only by the article that carried it: 1 act
430 acre data center tract rejected by local officials in Hanover County
datacenterdynamics.com (opens in a new tab), trade press (dated only by the report that carried it, so under the month of the report)
May 2026 1 act on the line; 2 reported
Stack topped out its first building at a 1 gigawatt data center campus in Stafford County, Virginia.
datacenterdynamics.com (opens in a new tab), trade press (dated only by the report that carried it, so under the month of the report)
Reported in May 2026, dated only by the article that carried them: 2 acts
Stafford County Planning Commission voted 5-0 to recommend Board of Supervisors deny Potomac Creek Campus data center due to cemetery concerns
fredericksburgfreepress.com (opens in a new tab), local outlet (dated only by the report that carried it, so under the month of the report)
Potomac Creek Campus proposed 975,000 square feet of data center space on 99 acres south of Eskimo Hill Road
fredericksburgfreepress.com (opens in a new tab), local outlet (dated only by the report that carried it, so under the month of the report)
February 2026 1 act on the line; 2 reported; 1 line of background, plans and statements
400 acre data center campus withdrawn; originally planned 10 buildings, 3.9 million sq ft total
datacenterdynamics.com (opens in a new tab), trade press (dated only by the report that carried it, so under the month of the report)
Reported in February 2026, dated only by the article that carried them: 2 acts
The Stafford Technology Campus rezoned 524 acres on both sides of Eskimo Hill Road from agricultural to light industrial.
youtube.com (opens in a new tab), video (dated only by the report that carried it, so under the month of the report)
Planning officials recommended application be refused
datacenterdynamics.com (opens in a new tab), trade press (dated only by the report that carried it, so under the month of the report)
Also on the record for February 2026, not acts of their own: 1 line of background, plans and statements
HHHunt developer planning 10 building data center campus on 400 acres
datacenterdynamics.com (opens in a new tab) (a plan or a schedule, not an act yet)
January 2026 1 act on the line
SCC approved GS-5 rate class takes effect January 1 for customers demanding at least 25 megawatts
thecentersquare.com (opens in a new tab), national outlet (the day its own sentence names; filed under Sep 21, 2026)
2026, no month given 2 acts
In Virginia, state lawmakers in the General Assembly passed legislation this year to tighten restrictions on backup generators and introduce a new energy consumption tax
virginiamercury.com (opens in a new tab), local outlet (the year its own sentence names; filed under Jan 1, 2026)
Virginia imposed a new $0.011 per kilowatt hour tax on data center electricity consumption in 2026 while preserving the exemption for qualifying data center equipment.
newsweek.com (opens in a new tab), national outlet (the year its own sentence names; filed under Sep 9, 2026)
2025 5 acts on the line; 1 reported, dated only by the article
November 2025 No acts on the line; 1 reported
Reported in November 2025, dated only by the article that carried it: 1 act
Dominion utility created a new rate class for large electricity users
wavy.com (opens in a new tab), local outlet (dated only by the report that carried it, so under the month of the report)
October 2025 1 act on the line
The US Army Corps of Engineers Norfolk District received permit application NAO-2025-01543 for Project Sisson on October 20, 2025.
nao.usace.army.mil (opens in a new tab), primary source (the day its own sentence names)
August 2025 1 act on the line
A circuit judge invalidated rezonings for Prince William Digital Gateway in August 2025 and an appeals court upheld the result in March 2026
theminermag.com (opens in a new tab), trade press (the month its own sentence names; no day is given; filed under Sep 15, 2026)
July 2025 1 act on the line
A data center was proposed for 850 acres of land in Stafford County, Virginia.
datacenterdynamics.com (opens in a new tab), trade press (dated only by the report that carried it, so under the month of the report)
March 2025 1 act on the line
Phase one of Loudoun County data center policy overhaul was approved in March 2025 and ended by right data center development except for already approved projects
patch.com (opens in a new tab), local outlet (the month its own sentence names; no day is given; filed under Sep 21, 2026)
2025, no month given 1 act
The Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin assessed data center consumptive water use in the Washington metropolitan area at about 4 million gallons a day on average in 2025 and 15 million on the peak day, projected about 22 million a day on average and over 80 million at peak by 2050 under baseline assumptions, and noted that summer demand arrives when river flows are lowest
potomacriver.org (opens in a new tab), primary source (the year its own sentence names; filed under Mar 1, 2026)
2024 3 acts on the line
July 2024 1 act on the line
H5 Ashburn data center site fully leased to a hyperscale client
datacenterdynamics.com (opens in a new tab), trade press (dated only by the report that carried it, so under the month of the report)
2024, no month given 2 acts
Loudoun County Board of Supervisors launched data center policy review project in 2024
patch.com (opens in a new tab), local outlet (the year its own sentence names; filed under Sep 21, 2026)
In 2024, the Stafford County Board of Supervisors approved the Stafford Technology Campus, the largest data center project in county history.
youtube.com (opens in a new tab), video (the year its own sentence names; filed under Feb 26, 2026)
2023 1 act on the line
2023, no month given 1 act
The Henrico Data Center campus was completed in 2023.
vedp.org (opens in a new tab), primary source (the year its own sentence names; filed under Sep 7, 2026)
2018 2 acts on the line
September 2018 1 act on the line
Meta announced a $1 billion additional investment in September 2018 for three new 500,000 square foot buildings.
vedp.org (opens in a new tab), primary source (the month its own sentence names; no day is given; filed under Sep 7, 2026)
February 2018 1 act on the line
Site work began in February 2018.
vedp.org (opens in a new tab), primary source (the month its own sentence names; no day is given; filed under Sep 7, 2026)
2017 1 act on the line
October 2017 1 act on the line
In October 2017, Meta announced plans to invest $750 million initially.
vedp.org (opens in a new tab), primary source (the month its own sentence names; no day is given; filed under Sep 7, 2026)