Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger establishes AI task force and data center accountability framework

Virginia just told the data center industry that the days of building first and asking questions later are over. Governor Abigail Spanberger signed Executive Order 22 on September 18, creating a sweeping accountability framework for data center development and launching a new AI task force to evaluate how the state should handle the risks that come with being ground zero for America’s computing infrastructure. The order takes aim at a practice that has quietly shaped development across the state: non-disclosure agreements. Executive branch officials are now prohibited from signing NDAs related to data center projects, a move designed to bring transparency to deals that have historically been negotiated behind closed doors. What the order actually does Executive Order 22 touches several pressure points that have been building in Virginia for years. Beyond the NDA ban, it requires local public approval for any data center facility exceeding 25 megawatts, mandates expedited noise regulations, and orders a review of backup-generation operations used by data centers. The order also emphasizes clean energy standards for backup power and sets limits on natural gas generation at data cente...