Clean Virginia Statement Regarding Governor Spanberger’s Data Center Accountability Framework
September 18, 2026
From Executive Director Brennan Gilmore:
Governor Spanberger’s data center accountability framework is a meaningful step forward in addressing the impact of Virginia’s unchecked data center growth. The real test will come in the months ahead as the Governor works with the legislature to flesh out details on who pays, who bears risk, and what conditions must be met for continued data center development. Clean Virginia supports a pause on further data center development while these details are worked out and encourages Governor Spanberger to do the same.
In addition to clear, enforceable standards that require – not reward – responsible data center development, Virginia must adopt a more comprehensive approach to ensure data center-related costs are not shifted onto families and other electric customers. That means addressing the full range of costs created by unprecedented data center expansion, including transmission and generation infrastructure costs, PJM-related costs, project financing costs and other risks, and environmental and public health impacts.
As one of just four states with no laws limiting corporate campaign contributions, Virginia cannot make meaningful progress on these goals without confronting the unlimited corporate campaign contributions that have long-shaped public policy, particularly energy policy, in Virginia.
Clean Virginia looks forward to working with Governor Spanberger and the General Assembly to pass meaningful campaign finance reform and turn the goals outlined in this platform into real protections for Virginians. The Commonwealth has an opportunity to establish a clear, enforceable framework for responsible data center growth — one that protects electric customers, holds the industry accountable for the costs it creates, and puts people’s needs ahead of corporate profits.