For more than two years, FACS has been pushing for greater transparency, accountability, and community protections as data centers expand across Northern Virginia and the Commonwealth.
Our Data Center Reform Principles lay out what responsible development should look like, including stronger protections for clean air and water, responsible energy use, transparency, and meaningful community engagement. In 2025, we also brought these concerns to a broader audience through our 9th annual Climate Crisis Forum on data centers, where experts and community leaders discussed what the continued growth of the industry means for Virginians.
During the 2026 General Assembly, FACS supported and helped lead the effort to pass HB 153, legislation intended to provide greater transparency around data center development. With the bill now part of Virginia law, our work is to make sure that greater transparency becomes a reality.
Furthermore, Governor Spanberger’s Executive Order 22 (EO22) creates new opportunities to address some of the impacts of data center development. FACS will engage with the administration as the Executive Order is implemented, including provisions addressing water, noise, air quality, clean energy, and reducing reliance on natural gas.
Some of this work will take place through state agencies in the coming months. Other protections may require action by the General Assembly when legislators return to Richmond in 2027.
What’s Next?
FACS will continue working with the Spanberger administration, state agencies, legislators, and our coalition partners to make sure implementation of EO22 delivers meaningful public benefits. We will also be watching upcoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) reports and opportunities for public input, while also helping shape potential 2027 legislation where the Executive Order alone cannot go far enough.
What remains clear is that transparency alone will not address all of the impacts that come with Virginia’s rapidly growing data center industry. FACS is working to make sure Virginia’s data center growth does not come at the expense of our communities, our environment, or Virginia’s clean energy future.
About the Author
Chris Topoleski is the Executive Director of Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions (FACS), where he leads our work to advance climate solutions and empower faith communities across Virginia. For any and all inquiries about FACS, please contact info@faithforclimate.org.