Building a Smarter Future for Virginia: Accountability and Transparency in Data Center Expansion

The Problem: Hidden Costs of Data Centers

 Virginia has become a global hub for data centers, housing some of the largest facilities in the world. While these centers fuel economic growth and technological innovation, their rapid expansion brings significant challenges:

  • Environmental Impacts: High energy demands, increased greenhouse gas emissions, and water usage strain local ecosystems.
  • Community Concerns: Noise pollution, land use changes, and infrastructure burdens affect neighboring communities.
  • Transparency Gaps: Decision-making around data center approvals often lacks public accountability, leaving residents with unanswered questions about long-term impacts.

In response, CCAN Action Fund is calling for stricter standards, greater transparency, and federal guidance to ensure a sustainable balance between growth and community well-being.

Sign the petition to support legislation cleaning up data centers in 2026. Take action now!

Sign the Petition
Join Lobby Day February 9

The Solution: Legislation to Clean Up Data Centers

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Strengthen Accountability

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Promote Sustainability

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Protect Ratepayers

Hold Data Centers Accountable

Build the movement to help pass legislation promoting sustainability and accountability. 

Sign the Petition
Join Lobby Day February 9 in Richmond

Legislation should address these ongoing challenges by:

  1. Strengthening Accountability: Ensure oversight over massive energy requests by making data center operators report energy and water usage transparently and meet environmental standards.

  2. Promoting Sustainability: Incentivize renewable energy usage and maximize energy efficiency.

  3. Protecting Ratepayers: Guarantee that public and utility ratepayers are not made to subsidize the ambitions of the wealthiest corporations in the world. 

This would solidify Virginia’s leadership in responsible innovation while protecting communities and natural resources.

We support bills HB 155; HB 897; HB 658; SB 465; and SB619.

What’s at Stake?

Without action, the unchecked growth of data centers could:

  • Overwhelm Communities: Increased traffic, noise, and infrastructure strain without adequate compensation or planning.
  • Exacerbate Environmental Challenges: Rising emissions and resource use could jeopardize Virginia’s climate goals.
  • Significantly increase energy bills: Without guardrails, data center electricity generation and transmission needs are poised to more than double residential electricity bills.

The Data is In: Virginians Want Action on Data Centers!

Recent polling conducted by Global Strategy Group found shocking numbers on Virginians’ attitude towards data centers:

  • Nearly three-quarters of Virginians personally blame data centers for rising electricity costs in Virginia.
  • Nearly nine in ten Virginia voters want state lawmakers to take action to manage the impacts of data centers. They highlighted tax breaks given to big corporations, higher electricity costs, and water quality impacts as among their top concerns.
  • A whopping 92% of likely voters in Virginia believe state lawmakers are failing to properly manage the rapid growth of data centers in the state.

READ MORE ABOUT THE RECENT POLLING AT THIS LINK.

Take Action Today!

Join us in advocating for a balanced, sustainable approach to data center development:

  • Strengthen Climate Regulations: Urge your legislators to use the JLARC study’s findings to introduce stronger climate regulations for data centers.
  • Promote Justice: Push for data centers’ electricity needs to be paid for by Big Tech, not Virginians.
  • Add Your Voice: Demand that data centers contribute equitably to Virginia’s future.

Together, we can ensure that Virginia leads the way in responsible innovation. Sign the petition today!

Join us for Data Center Reform Lobby Day

Along with over sixty other groups and organizations, CCAN and CCAN Action Fund are members of the Virginia Data Center Reform Coalition, which will hold its Lobby Day for the 2026 General Assembly session on February 9. Together, we are urging state lawmakers to take action on the unchecked, exponential growth of data centers in Virginia. This event is your chance to lobby with fellow advocates in your district for a smarter development approach to data centers in our state – no prior experience required. RSVP here!

Resources And Key Articles

Resources: 

Key Articles: 

For more information, please contact:
Victoria Higgins, Virginia Director, CCAN Action Fund
vhiggins@chesapeakeclimate.org

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