Governor Spanberger Acts on AI and Data Center Regulation
Virginia’s Governor Abigail Spanberger has implemented new measures to regulate data centers and address emerging risks associated with artificial intelligence (AI). Through Executive Order 22, signed on Friday, Spanberger has directed state initiatives aimed at enhancing local community input in data center projects and reevaluating approval processes in the state known for its data center prominence.
This executive order introduces several significant changes, including a prohibition on state officials signing nondisclosure agreements related to data center ventures. Additionally, it mandates expedited regulations on noise and necessitates a review of backup-power systems for data centers. A new AI task force will also be formed to scrutinise potential risks such as workforce displacement and data privacy, while considering current legal frameworks that might mitigate AI-induced harms.
The order comes amidst a broader national trend of states independently managing data center and AI regulations due to perceived inaction from Congress and former President Donald Trump. On the same day, California’s Governor Gavin Newsom released an order focusing on AI safety, and earlier similar actions were taken by the governors of New York and Texas to regulate rapid data center growth.
Moreover, Gov. Spanberger introduced the “Data Center Accountability Framework” which outlines further regulatory priorities for Virginia. This framework aims to eliminate “by-right approval” processes that allowed developments without special approvals, discontinue certain state subsidies, and establish environmental standards. It also seeks to shield residents from potential spikes in energy costs due to data center operations.
Her initiatives have garnered support from various environmental groups, although some critiques have emerged. Chris Miller, president of the Piedmont Environmental Council, noted that while the changes address standards for new data centers, they fail to tackle the issues posed by existing facilities and their impacts.
Reporting based on coverage first published by theverge.com.