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SB 130

Data centers; site assessment, definition of high energy use facility.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jennifer Carroll Foy and 4 co-sponsors

SB 130 requires site assessments for Virginia data centers and defines high energy use facilities for regulatory classification and local oversight purposes.

Incorporated by Finance and Appropriations (SB94-Roem) (13-Y 2-N)
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Bill Summary · SB 130

Legislative bill overview

SB 130 establishes new requirements for data center site assessments in Virginia and creates a definition of "high energy use facility" for regulatory purposes. The bill appears designed to clarify how data centers are classified and evaluated before development, potentially affecting zoning, environmental review, and utility planning processes.

Why is this important

Data centers consume enormous amounts of electricity and water, making their location and expansion decisions significant for local communities and state infrastructure planning. Clear definitions and assessment requirements help ensure communities have input on major industrial facilities and can plan for impacts on power grids, water systems, and local resources.

Potential points of contention

  • Economic development vs. local control: Data centers attract jobs and tax revenue, but communities may want stricter oversight; this bill's impact on that balance is unclear from the summary
  • Energy infrastructure burden: Virginia's power grid faces strain; assessment requirements may slow deployment of facilities the state wants to attract for AI and tech industries
  • Definition scope: What qualifies as "high energy use" will determine which facilities face additional scrutiny; too broad could deter investment, too narrow could miss significant impacts

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

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