“Voted Y on Virginia SB 94, requiring a site assessment of a proposed data center's sound and environmental impact before local approval”

The Senate of Virginia passed SB 94, which requires a locality, before approving a rezoning application, special exception application or special use permit for siting a new high energy use facility (a data center), to require the applicant to perform and submit a site assessment examining the sound profile on residential units and schools within 500 feet, and which allows the locality to require the assessment to also examine effects on ground and surface water, agricultural resources, parks, registered historic sites and forestland. Outcome: Passed the Senate 21-18 with one abstention on February 12, 2026. The identical House bill HB 153 also passed; SB 94 was approved by the Governor on April 13, 2026 as Chapter 568. Recorded vote: Y. Body: Senate of Virginia. Measure: VA-2026-SB94.