Data Center Reform Campaign Continues – The Piedmont Environmental Council

The Virginia Data Center Reform Coalition — over 60 organizations led by the Piedmont Environmental Council — pursued a four-pillar legislative platform during Virginia's 2025 General Assembly session targeting enhanced transparency, state oversight, ratepayer protection, and efficiency incentives. Of 30 reform bills introduced, most were defeated in committee; key ratepayer protection language was weakened, and transparency bills were blocked on national security grounds. A JLARC study confirmed that ratepayers subsidize data center infrastructure and that data centers are an industrial use inappropriate for residential areas. The coalition plans to sustain momentum through media outreach, community engagement, SCC participation, and continued monitoring of energy, water, and air quality impacts.