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Bill

HB 607

Aggregate air pollution; Department of Environmental Quality to study, data center generators.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Amy Laufer

Virginia bill requiring DEQ to study air pollution impacts from data center backup generators to assess environmental and public health effects.

Continued to next session in Rules (Voice Vote)
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Bill Summary · HB 607

Legislative bill overview

HB 607 directs Virginia's Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to conduct a study on how data center generators contribute to aggregate air pollution in the state. The bill seeks to understand the cumulative air quality impacts from the growing number of backup power generators used by data centers, particularly in regions with multiple facilities.

Why is this important

Data centers are a rapidly expanding industry in Virginia, and their backup generators—which typically run on diesel or natural gas—can emit significant pollutants including nitrogen oxides and particulate matter. Understanding aggregate pollution impacts is crucial for regional air quality management, especially in areas approaching federal air quality standards, and could inform future environmental regulations as the data center industry continues to grow.

Potential points of contention

  • Industry vs. environmental concerns: Data center operators may resist additional studies that could lead to stricter emissions regulations, while environmental advocates may view a study as insufficient without immediate regulatory action
  • Cost allocation: Questions about whether data center companies should bear study costs or fund pollution mitigation measures
  • Scope and methodology: Disagreement over whether the study adequately captures all pollution sources or unfairly targets one industry sector

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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