Virginia HB 1515: Local approval of data centers; temporary moratorium.

Bill Text

2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26105789D

HOUSE BILL NO. 1515

Offered January 23, 2026

A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Article 1 of Chapter 22 of Title 15.2 a section numbered 15.2-2209.4, relating to local approval of data centers; temporary moratorium.

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Patron—Shin

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Referred to Committee on Rules

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Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 15.2-2209.4 as follows:

§ 15.2-2209.4. Siting of data centers; temporary moratorium.

A. For the purpose of this section:

"Data center" means the same as that term is defined in subdivision A 43 of § 58.1-3506.

B. No locality shall grant final approval of any application for a rezoning, special exception, special use permit, site plan, or plan of development for the siting of a new data center until the earlier of (i) the fulfillment of all pending requests for interconnection to distribution service by an electric utility customer that is a data center or (ii) July 1, 2028.