2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26103960D

HOUSE BILL NO. 591

Offered January 14, 2026

Prefiled January 13, 2026

A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 45.2-1706.2, relating to policy of the Commonwealth; data centers.

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Patrons—Simonds, Bulova, Shin, Sullivan, Cousins, Guzman, Reid, Singh and Tran

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Referred to Committee on Labor and Commerce

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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 45.2-1706.2as follows:

§ 45.2-1706.2. Policy of the Commonwealth; data centers.

It is the policy of the Commonwealth to encourage the responsible operation of data centers in the Commonwealth while supporting grid reliability, affordability, and the deployment of renewable resources. In furtherance of this policy, the Commonwealth shall:

1. Promote coordination between data centers, state agencies, and regional grid operators to share information on energy usage, interconnection timelines, and barriers to rapid deployment of renewable and flexible energy resources;

2. Incentivize data centers to participate in demand response programs, implement energy storage and management systems, and leverage automated technologies to reduce peak demand and support grid stability;

3. Encourage flexible energy practices that allow data centers to adjust energy consumption in real time in alignment with available renewable generation;

4. Ensure large-scale data centers contribute equitably to infrastructure investment and cost allocation, mitigating impacts on residential and small business ratepayers;

5. Require data centers to report energy and water usage, sustainability measures, and participation in grid support programs to appropriate state and federal agencies; and

6. Promote cybersecurity, physical security, and supply chain security measures to protect Virginia data center operations from foreign adversary access or compromise.