WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 2377

Comprehensive plan; data centers, water usage.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Keith Hodges

Requires Virginia localities to include data center water usage considerations in comprehensive land-use plans during updates.

Left in Counties, Cities and Towns
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2377

Legislative bill overview

HB 2377 would require Virginia localities to address data center water usage in their comprehensive plans. The bill mandates that local governments consider and plan for the water consumption impacts of data centers during their periodic comprehensive plan updates.

Why is this important

Data centers consume significant quantities of water for cooling operations, and Virginia has become a major hub for data center development, particularly in Northern Virginia. As water scarcity concerns grow in certain regions, proactive planning for data center water demands could prevent conflicts between industrial water needs and residential/agricultural availability.

Potential points of contention

  • Local control vs. state mandate: Requires localities to address a specific industry in planning documents, which some may view as state overreach into local land-use decisions
  • Competitive disadvantage: Stricter water planning requirements could make Virginia less attractive to data center companies compared to neighboring states without similar restrictions
  • Implementation clarity: Unclear what specific planning outcomes or limitations the bill intends, or whether it merely requires acknowledgment of data center water usage versus actual usage restrictions

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

Sign in to ask a question.