Virginia Senate Bill SB285

Virginia 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

Siting of data centers; site assessment.

Impact

The implications of SB285 are significant for local governance and environmental stewardship. By requiring these assessments and disclosures, the bill aims to empower local governments to make informed decisions that could limit excessive water and energy consumption. This aligns with broader public concerns regarding sustainability and resource management, particularly as data centers consume increasing amounts of electricity and water. Proponents argue that this bill will enable localities to better manage their resources while ensuring that any new data centers adhere to community standards and environmental regulations.

Summary

SB285 focuses on the siting of data centers in Virginia by imposing new requirements on localities. Specifically, the bill mandates that localities must require a detailed disclosure of water and power usage when considering the approval of data center projects. This is designed to ensure that municipalities are fully aware of the potential resource demands such facilities may impose, especially at full capacity. Moreover, the bill necessitates site assessments that evaluate the impacts of proposed data centers on local water resources, the regional electric grid, carbon emissions, as well as agricultural, historic, and cultural resources in the area.

Contention

As with any significant regulatory change, there are points of contention surrounding SB285. Some stakeholders fear the stringent requirements may deter potential investments in new data centers, which can be significant sources of economic development and job creation. The balance between fostering technological infrastructure and preserving local resources and cultural heritage is at the heart of the discussions around this bill. Opponents suggest that while transparency and assessment are crucial, the potential drawbacks might include reduced competitiveness in attracting tech companies that may seek less regulated environments.