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HB 153

Data centers; site assessment, sound profile of the high energy use facility.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Betsy Carr and 8 co-sponsors

Virginia bill HB 153 mandates data centers conduct sound profiles and site assessments before construction, giving local governments environmental data for oversight of high-energy facilities.

Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0567)
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Bill Summary · HB 153

Legislative bill overview

HB 153 requires data centers in Virginia to undergo site assessments and sound profile evaluations before construction or expansion. The bill establishes baseline noise measurements for high-energy-use facilities and appears to mandate compliance documentation to local governments prior to project approval.

Why is this important

Data centers consume significant electricity and generate operational noise that can affect nearby residential and commercial areas. As Virginia attracts major tech investments, this bill seeks to ensure communities have environmental impact data and local oversight mechanisms before large facilities are built, balancing economic development with quality-of-life protections.

Potential points of contention

  • Local vs. state authority: The bill's enforcement mechanism and whether local governments can deny projects based on sound profiles versus merely requiring disclosure
  • Industry compliance costs: Data center operators may argue that mandatory assessments and sound profiling add development expenses and could discourage investment in Virginia
  • Definition ambiguity: "High energy use facility" thresholds and "site assessment" requirements lack clear technical specifications, potentially creating implementation disputes
  • Existing facilities: Unclear whether the bill applies only to new construction or requires retrofitting of operational data centers

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

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