WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 1045

Siting of data centers; property classified for industrial use.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Danica Roem

Virginia bill would have streamlined data center approval on industrial-zoned land, reducing local government discretion to accelerate tech infrastructure development.

Failed to report (defeated) in Local Government (5-Y 10-N)
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 1045

Legislative bill overview

SB 1045 would have modified Virginia's zoning and land use regulations to streamline the siting of data centers on properties classified for industrial use. The bill aimed to facilitate data center development by adjusting local government approval processes for these facilities on industrial-zoned land.

Why is this important

Data centers represent significant economic development and job creation opportunities, but also raise concerns about infrastructure demands, energy consumption, and land use impacts. How states regulate data center siting affects their competitiveness in the technology sector while balancing local community concerns about development density and environmental effects.

Potential points of contention

  • Local control vs. state facilitation: The bill likely reduced local government discretion in approving data centers, creating tension between state economic development goals and municipal zoning authority
  • Infrastructure and utility burden: Data centers require substantial electricity and cooling resources; communities may worry about straining local utilities and raising costs for residents
  • Environmental and land use concerns: Industrial-zoned areas may abut residential neighborhoods; concerns about noise, light, traffic, and permanent land use conversion likely arose

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

Sign in to ask a question.