The Public Policy Committee follows a variety of topics from local, state and federal governments. Here is one of the items of note we're following:
Legislative Corner: Data Centers Take Center Stage in Richmond and Frederick County
Data center policy was front and center at both the state and local levels this month, with significant actions that could shape future economic development across Virginia and here in Frederick County.
As Virginia and Frederick County consider what comes next, the business community has an important role to play in ensuring that the conversation considers both responsible development and the long-term economic consequences of policies affecting one of Virginia's largest sources of capital investment.
On September 18, Governor Abigail Spanberger unveiled a new statewide Data Center Accountability Framework and signed Executive Order 22 implementing several components immediately. The framework calls for increased transparency, stronger environmental and water-use standards, new protections for electric ratepayers, additional local oversight, workforce requirements, and changes to how large data center projects are reviewed and permitted. The Governor is also proposing additional legislation for consideration during the 2027 General Assembly session.
Locally, the Frederick County Board of Supervisors took an even more significant step on September 23, voting 6-1 to remove data centers as a permitted or conditional use under the County's zoning ordinance. The action removes data centers from the County's use matrix along with the definitions and regulations specifically governing the industry.
These actions come as Virginia communities continue to wrestle with how to balance legitimate concerns surrounding land use, energy, water, infrastructure and community impacts with the substantial economic benefits associated with data center investment.
The TVRC public policy committee continues to monitor this issue closely, recognizing that the economic side of the discussion and its long-term effects on business and community development remains an important topic. It is one of many reasons that it is so important for us to hear from you so that we can be The Voice for Business in the Top of Virginia.