Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger has introduced new policies to oversee the development of data centers in the state. The announcement came on Friday, emphasizing the need to prevent secrecy and ensure data centers pay for any excessive use of resources.

The policies create a framework that aims to manage the rapid expansion of data centers, addressing concerns about their impact on the community and environment. The governor refrained from imposing a full moratorium on new data center developments, a measure that some members of her party had advocated for.

While the executive order outlines steps for transparency and accountability, many specific details are yet to be finalized. It marks a significant move towards regulatory oversight in response to the growing data industry.

Virginia Gov. Spanberger holds up her executive order limiting data centers, highlighting a shift towards greater regulation. (Photo credit: Win McNamee/Getty Images)