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SB 552

Siting of large data centers; site assessment, standards, civil penalties.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Glen Sturtevant

SB 552 establishes state-level siting standards and environmental assessments for Virginia data centers, centralizing approval authority while imposing civil penalties for violations.

Failed to report from Local Government with amendments (7-Y 7-N 1-A)
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Bill Summary · SB 552

Legislative bill overview

SB 552 establishes new state-level standards and siting requirements for large data centers in Virginia, including mandatory site assessments and creates civil penalties for non-compliance. The bill appears to centralize data center regulation at the state level rather than leaving decisions entirely to local jurisdictions.

Why is this important

Data centers consume massive amounts of electricity and water, making their location decisions significant for environmental impact, infrastructure planning, and economic development. Virginia has become a major hub for data center development due to its proximity to major tech corridors, so these siting rules directly affect where billions in infrastructure investment occurs and which communities bear environmental consequences.

Potential points of contention

  • State vs. local control: The bill likely creates tension between state-level standards and local zoning authority, with communities potentially losing control over large industrial projects in their areas
  • Industry vs. environmental concerns: Data centers want streamlined approval processes; environmental and conservation groups may oppose state preemption of local protections for water resources and agricultural land
  • Economic development tradeoffs: The bill reflects competing priorities between attracting tech investment and protecting rural/agricultural areas from rapid industrialization

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

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