Gov. Spanberger Targets Data Center Growth With New Oversight, AI Task Force

By Billy Briefman · September 19, 2026 · 2 min read read

Spanberger Issues Executive Order to Hold Data Centers ‘Accountable,’ Form AI Task Force Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed an executive order Sept. 18 to increase data center oversight and establish...

Spanberger Issues Executive Order to Hold Data Centers ‘Accountable,’ Form AI Task Force

Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed an executive order Sept. 18 to increase data center oversight and establish a task force focused on artificial intelligence across the Commonwealth.

Originally reported by Cardinal News.

The directive aims to balance VA’s role as a global hub for data infrastructure with growing concerns regarding energy consumption and environmental impact. By creating a dedicated AI task force, the administration seeks to evaluate how emerging technologies affect state operations and the private sector.

New Requirements for Data Center Development

The executive order introduces stricter accountability measures for the data center industry, which maintains a massive footprint in Northern Virginia and continues to expand into other regions. According to the order, state agencies must now implement more rigorous reviews of how these facilities utilize water and electricity.

Spanberger emphasized that while the industry drives significant tax revenue, the state must protect its natural resources and power grid stability. The order mandates that developers provide clearer projections of their long-term energy needs before receiving state approvals.

Establishing the AI Task Force

Beyond infrastructure oversight, the order creates a formal task force to study artificial intelligence. This group will advise the governor on policy frameworks that encourage innovation while mitigating risks related to privacy and automation.

According to the directive, the task force will include experts from technology sectors, academia, and state government. They will specifically examine how AI can improve government efficiency and what guardrails the Commonwealth needs to protect residents from algorithmic bias or data breaches.

Impact on Virginia’s Economy

VA currently hosts the largest concentration of data centers in the world. The administration noted that these facilities remain vital to the state's economy, but the rapid pace of growth requires a more coordinated state-level response.

The executive order tasks state regulators with ensuring that data center expansion does not place an undue burden on residential utility ratepayers. According to the administration, the new oversight framework will help maintain Virginia's competitive edge in the tech sector without sacrificing environmental standards.

This article is based on reporting originally published by Cardinal News. Channel RVA provides this coverage with additional local context for the Richmond community.