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HB 1515

Local approval of data centers; temporary moratorium.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Irene Shin

Virginia bill requiring local government approval for data center construction and establishing temporary development moratorium to give communities infrastructure planning authority.

Subcommittee recommends continuing to (Voice Vote)
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Bill Summary · HB 1515

Legislative bill overview

HB 1515 would require local government approval before data centers can be constructed in Virginia municipalities and would establish a temporary moratorium on data center development. The bill aims to give communities a voice in siting decisions for large-scale data infrastructure projects that can significantly impact local resources, traffic, and utilities.

Why is this important

Data centers consume enormous amounts of electricity and water, creating infrastructure pressures on localities that may not have been consulted during planning. This bill addresses growing tension between state economic development interests and local communities' ability to manage growth and environmental impacts in their jurisdictions.

Potential points of contention

  • Economic development concerns: Tech companies and state economic development officials may argue that local veto power discourages investment and reduces Virginia's competitiveness for data center projects compared to other states
  • Moratorium duration and scope: Unclear whether the temporary moratorium applies uniformly statewide or varies by locality; questions about what "temporary" means and which data center types are covered
  • Local capacity vs. regional needs: Tension between local control and broader state/regional energy and infrastructure needs, particularly as data demand grows nationally

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

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