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SB 94

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

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Adam Ebbin and 1 co-sponsor

Virginia bill expedites data center approvals on industrially-zoned property to boost infrastructure development and economic competitiveness.

Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026
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Bill Summary · SB 94

Legislative bill overview

SB 94 streamlines the process for siting data centers on property already zoned for industrial use in Virginia. The bill removes certain regulatory barriers and expedites approval procedures for data center development in areas designated for industrial purposes. This represents a legislative effort to facilitate data center infrastructure expansion in zones already designated for heavy industrial activity.

Why is this important

Data centers are critical infrastructure for cloud computing, AI services, and digital economy operations, but they require substantial capital investment and face lengthy approval timelines. Virginia is competing with other states to attract data center development, which creates jobs, generates tax revenue, and supports broadband infrastructure. Streamlining siting approval on already-zoned industrial land could make Virginia more competitive while avoiding conflicts with residential areas.

Potential points of contention

  • Environmental and utility impacts: Data centers consume enormous amounts of electricity and water; expedited siting may reduce environmental review scrutiny in communities near industrial zones
  • Worker wage and benefit standards: The bill does not address whether job creation from data centers includes living wages or local hiring requirements, raising questions about actual community benefit
  • Local control erosion: Streamlining state-level approval could limit local governments' ability to negotiate community benefits, infrastructure improvements, or impact mitigation with developers

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

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