Board of Supervisors supports new state effort to increase data center transparency and accountability

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors took steps Tuesday to stay actively involved as Virginia develops new policies aimed at increasing transparency and accountability for data center development across the commonwealth.

On Sept. 18, Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed Executive Order 22, creating the Virginia Data Center Accountability Framework. The initiative focuses on community engagement, environmental protection, energy affordability, clean energy and workforce development. The order also calls for greater public access to information about proposed data center projects, including potential community impacts, resource demands and any incentives offered to developers.

It also strengthens the commonwealth's role in overseeing issues that local governments have limited authority to regulate, such as energy infrastructure, air quality and water-related impacts.

Fairfax County has already taken several actions to manage data center development locally.

• In 2024, the county updated its Zoning Ordinance to regulate where data centers are located, limit their size, require visual screening, and require pre- and post-construction noise studies.
• A 2025 Comprehensive Plan update added stronger protections to ensure facilities are compatible with nearby neighborhoods and natural resources, while partnering with utilities and state agencies to safeguard energy affordability, clean air, and water supplies.

The county is taking several steps to preserve local influence and protect community interests. The board has requested a report outlining findings and next steps within 120 days on:

• Collaborating with state leaders on potential new policies.
• Exploring “Community Benefits Plans” to encourage developers to invest directly in local workforce development, job training and community infrastructure improvements.
• Improving public information sharing to provide timely and accessible information to residents, enabling them to understand proposed developments, potential impacts and opportunities to participate in the process.
• Teaming up with utilities and state agencies to safeguard energy affordability, clean air, and water supplies.