2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26104523D

HOUSE BILL NO. 1502

Offered January 23, 2026

A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 10.1-1308.2, relating to State Air Pollution Control Board; emissions standards for standby generators; data centers.

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Patrons—Guzman, Carroll, Cole, N.T., McAuliff, Clark, Laufer, Schmidt and Shin

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Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources

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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 10.1-1308.2 as follows:

§ 10.1-1308.2. Emissions standards for standby generators at data centers.

A. As used in this section:

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

"Electric utility" means the same as that term is defined in § 56-576.

"Standby generator" means an electric generating facility primarily designed for standby or backup power in the event of a loss of power supply from the electric utility.

B. The Board shall adopt regulations establishing emissions standards for any standby generator used at a data center. Such regulations shall address emissions of air pollutants, including nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, in a manner consistent with the Commonwealth's air quality goals and applicable federal law.

C. New standby generators installed at a data center on or after the effective date of the regulations shall comply with the emissions standards at the time of installation.

D. The Board shall provide a compliance period not to exceed five years to data center operators with an existing standby generator to meet the emissions standards through replacement, retrofit, or retirement.