Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger issued an executive order this week imposing new protections on data center development, targeting air quality, water consumption, clean energy adoption, and transparency requirements. The announcement from Richmond includes a commitment to phase out pollution-heavy diesel generators used for backup power at these facilities. The Sierra Club called it the strongest executive action on data center environmental impacts Virginia has ever seen.
The order takes aim at four major areas: air quality concerns linked to diesel backup generators, water usage by facilities, incentives for renewable power sources, and a prohibition on sweeping Non-Disclosure Agreements that conceal basic information about how data centers affect surrounding communities. Spanberger's framework seeks to move away from Tier II diesel generators, which are considered pollution-intensive, while expanding opportunities for residents to weigh in on development decisions. The policy framework also includes incentive measures aimed at encouraging clean energy to power these operations.
Connor Kish, who directs the Sierra Club's Virginia Chapter, said the tech industry has operated without adequate oversight for years. "Given the chance to do so time and time again, the world's biggest tech companies have proven they have no interest in avoiding irresponsible and destructive data center development unless they are forced to," Kish stated. The environmental group praised Spanberger's actions but emphasized that additional policy safeguards and involvement from all government branches will be necessary to undo existing environmental damage from data centers and stop future harm.
The executive order comes as data center growth has accelerated across Virginia, with Big Tech companies expanding facilities that consume substantial electricity and water while relying on diesel generators that degrade air quality during outages or testing. The Sierra Club argues these corporations are capable of better practices but haven't adopted them voluntarily. By mandating transparency and setting energy and environmental standards, the order aims to shift the industry toward accountability that hasn't existed in the state previously. Kish said the organization looks forward to collaborating with the governor's team and lawmakers from both parties to implement these improvements.
The policy framework sets the stage for continued regulatory action beyond what Spanberger can achieve through executive authority alone. While the order represents the most robust state-level intervention Virginia has taken, the Sierra Club notes that reversing the environmental toll of existing data centers and preventing new damage will require legislative and multi-agency cooperation. The governor's actions signal a turning point after years of unchecked expansion, putting the burden on tech giants to demonstrate they can build and operate facilities responsibly or face tighter restrictions.