Virginia Implements Strict Oversight for Data Center Growth and AI Risks

By Lauren Feiner · The Verge · 2026-09-18

Virginia Implements Strict Oversight for Data Center Growth and AI Risks

Governor Abigail Spanberger has issued Executive Order 22 to restrict the rapid expansion of server farms across Virginia. The Verge reports that the new directive removes automatic land-use approvals and establishes a dedicated task force to study the impact of artificial intell

Governor Abigail Spanberger has issued Executive Order 22 to restrict the rapid expansion of server farms across Virginia. The Verge reports that the new directive removes automatic land-use approvals and establishes a dedicated task force to study the impact of artificial intell