Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger has issued Executive Order 22, a directive aimed at reshaping how the state manages its massive data center industry. As Virginia currently hosts the largest concentration of data centers in the world, the order seeks to address growing concerns regarding local infrastructure impacts, noise pollution, and the environmental footprint of these facilities.

Key provisions of the order include a ban on executive branch officials signing non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) related to data center projects. This move is intended to increase transparency, allowing local communities more visibility into development plans that were previously shielded from public scrutiny. Additionally, the order mandates the creation of expedited noise regulations and a comprehensive review of the backup-generation systems that data centers rely on during power outages.

Beyond physical infrastructure, the order establishes a formal AI task force. This group is tasked with evaluating the integration of artificial intelligence within state government operations and assessing the broader implications of AI technology for the Commonwealth. While the order grants local communities more leverage in the development process, it also signals a shift toward a more restrictive regulatory environment for the industry, which has historically enjoyed rapid expansion in Northern Virginia. The administration has framed these steps as a necessary balance between technological growth and the quality of life for residents living near these facilities.