Virginia State Senator Russet Perry has recently released draft legislation for a bill that could enact a moratorium on data centers in the state, which is known for having the world’s largest hub for these facilities. The early plans were met with skepticism by Virginia residents, however, as some believed that Governor Abigail Spanberger would likely veto the measure, while others had concerns about the proposed change.
As reported by Loudoun Now, SB843 is designed to prohibit localities from approving data center applications that require rezoning, special exceptions, or special use permits. The moratorium would last three years, which Perry said would help Virginia develop a more comprehensive plan to address these facilities.
Speaking about the bill, Democrat Perry said the industry “has grown unchecked and without guardrails for years” and now threatens Virginians. If approved, the bill would take effect on July 1, 2027, and remain in place until July 1, 2030.
Virginia Believes Proposal for Data Center Moratorium Would Not Work
The proposal drew mixed reactions on r/Virginia. One user wrote, “Spanberger would veto this 100%,” believing the Virginia governor, known for vetoing many bills, including those introduced by fellow Democrats, would not support completely halting the development of these centers.
Another Virginian chimed in: “The industry has been here for decades and we have an adequate mechanism to regulate it. The governor got the electricity use tax passed incredibly quickly, this is just more populist fearmongering.”
Others said, “Populists being populists,” seemingly believing that the bill would go nowhere. Someone else also complained: “They’re using by-right zoning. This won’t effect the vast majority of data centers.”
Another user also defended alternatives to the proposed measure while remaining firm on the need to address the construction of so many data centers: “2 options from here: Ban them or make them pay way more taxes, pay to power the entire state with new renewable energy, pay billions towards our schools, pay 10x the normal retail price for every drop of water they use. And they would be happy to do it.”
However, the skepticism was far from unanimous. One user said that this was a “very, very reasonable and well-actioned proposal.”
If the bill ultimately passes, it would mark a major shift for Virginia, but it could face resistance from both Democrats and Republicans.
