# Virginia governor orders AI task force, tightens data center approvals

Digest AI · Policy & Regulation · published 2026-09-18T18:29:17Z · updated 2026-09-18T18:51:02Z

Canonical: https://digestai.news/story/virginia-governor-orders-ai-task-force-tightens-data-center-approvals

## Summary

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger signed Executive Order 22, creating a state AI task force to study workforce displacement, data‑privacy risks and how existing law can address AI harms. The order also bans nondisclosure agreements for data‑center projects, speeds up noise‑regulation reviews, and requires scrutiny of backup‑generation operations.

Alongside the task force, Spanberger unveiled a Data Center Accountability Framework that ends “by‑right” approvals, removes certain state subsidies, adds environmental guardrails and seeks to protect residents from higher energy prices linked to data‑center growth. The move follows similar executive actions by California Gov. Gavin Newsom, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, reflecting a trend of states stepping in as federal action stalls.

## Key points

- Gov. Abigail Spanberger issued Executive Order 22 creating an AI task force and banning NDAs for data‑center projects.
- The order introduces a Data Center Accountability Framework that ends “by‑right” approvals, cuts subsidies, adds environmental guardrails and energy‑price protections.
- California, New York and Texas governors have also taken executive actions to curb rapid data‑center development and address AI safety.

## Why it matters

State-level AI and data‑center regulations fill a federal gap, shaping local community impact, energy costs and the governance of emerging AI risks.

## Sources

1. [Virginia governor creates an AI task force and moves to restrain data centers](https://theverge.com/policy/997573/virginia-governor-spanberger-data-center-ai-task-force) (The Verge AI, 2026-09-18)
2. [Spanberger Signs Data Center Accountability Order, Creates AI Task Force](https://unite.ai/spanberger-signs-data-center-accountability-order-creates-ai-task-force) (Unite.AI, 2026-09-18)

Part of the developing story: [State Governors Tighten AI Safety Rules](https://digestai.news/thread/california-gov-gavin-newsom-issues-executive-order-to-strengthen-ai-safety) (2 stories)

## Cite

Digest AI, "Virginia governor orders AI task force, tightens data center approvals", 18 September 2026, https://digestai.news/story/virginia-governor-orders-ai-task-force-tightens-data-center-approvals

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