VirginiaSB942026 Regular SessionSenate

Data centers; site assessment, sound profile of the high energy use facility.

Sponsored By: Danica A. Roem (Democratic)

Became Law

Summary

Siting of data centers; site assessment; high energy use facility. Provides that, prior to any approval of a rezoning application, special exception application, or special use permit for the siting of a new high energy use facility (HEUF), as defined in the bill, a locality shall require that an applicant perform and submit a site assessment to examine the sound profile of the HEUF on residential units and schools located within 500 feet of the HEUF property boundary. The bill also allows a locality to require that a site assessment examine the effect of the proposed facility on (i) ground and surface water resources, (ii) agricultural resources, (iii) parks, (iv) registered historic sites, and (v) forestland on the HEUF site or immediately contiguous land. The provisions of the bill shall not apply to a site with an existing legislative or administrative approval where an applicant is seeking an expansion or modification of an already existing or approved facility and such expansion does not exceed an additional 100 megawatts or more of electrical power. Finally, the bill provides that its provisions shall not be construed to prohibit, limit, or otherwise supersede existing local zoning authority. This bill incorporates SB 130 and is identical to HB 153.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Local zoning and state utility powers preserved

Local zoning power remains in place. The site study process does not change or replace the State Corporation Commission’s authority over utilities, and it does not give that authority to localities.

New reviews for 100-megawatt data centers

The law sets special review rules for large data centers that need 100 megawatts or more of power. Before any rezoning or special permit, the applicant must submit a site study. The study must, as practical and on the state review timeline, analyze noise on homes and schools within 500 feet of the site line. A locality may also require reviews of ground and surface water, farms, parks, registered historic sites, and nearby forestland. The retail electric utility must, to the extent known, file a form on any substations that will serve the site and the expected transmission voltage. Localities must use these materials to check the comprehensive plan and to enforce local noise, zoning, and other laws.

Data center expansions under 100 megawatts exempt

At sites with an existing legislative or administrative approval, adding up to an extra 100 megawatts does not trigger the new site-study rules. Expansions above that amount are not exempt.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Danica A. Roem

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 334 • No: 101

Senate vote 3/14/2026

Conference report agreed to by Senate

Yes: 29 • No: 10

House vote 3/14/2026

Conference report agreed to by House

Yes: 91 • No: 4

Senate vote 3/4/2026

Senate acceded to request Block Vote

Yes: 40 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/27/2026

House substitute rejected by Senate

Yes: 0 • No: 39

House vote 2/25/2026

Passed House with substitute

Yes: 80 • No: 14

House vote 2/20/2026

Reported from Counties, Cities and Towns with substitute

Yes: 15 • No: 6

Senate vote 2/12/2026

Read third time and passed Senate

Yes: 21 • No: 18 • Other: 1

Senate vote 2/11/2026

Committee amendments rejected (Voice Vote)

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/11/2026

Senator Roem Amendment #2 agreed to

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/11/2026

Reading of amendment #2 waived (Voice Vote)

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/11/2026

Finance and Appropriations Substitute agreed to

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/4/2026

Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 1st reading)

Yes: 40 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/4/2026

Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/3/2026

Reported from Finance and Appropriations with substitute

Yes: 10 • No: 5

Senate vote 1/26/2026

Reported from Local Government with amendments and rereferred to Finance and Appropriations

Yes: 8 • No: 5 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0568)

    4/13/2026Governor
  2. Approved by Governor-Chapter 568 (effective 7/1/2026)

    4/13/2026Governor
  3. Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026

    3/31/2026Governor
  4. Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 31, 2026

    3/31/2026Senate
  5. Signed by Speaker

    3/31/2026House
  6. Bill text as passed Senate and House (SB94ER)

    3/30/2026Senate
  7. Enrolled

    3/30/2026Senate
  8. Signed by President

    3/30/2026Senate
  9. Conference report agreed to by Senate (29-Y 10-N 0-A)

    3/14/2026Senate
  10. Conference report agreed to by House (91-Y 4-N 0-A)

    3/14/2026House
  11. Conference Report released

    3/13/2026
  12. House Conferees: Thomas, Convirs-Fowler, Wyatt

    3/6/2026House
  13. Conferees appointed by House

    3/6/2026House
  14. Senate acceded to request Block Vote (40-Y 0-N 0-A)

    3/4/2026Senate
  15. Senate Conferees: Roem, Srinivasan, Stanley

    3/4/2026Senate
  16. Conferees appointed by Senate

    3/4/2026Senate
  17. House requested conference committee

    3/2/2026House
  18. House insisted on substitute

    3/2/2026House
  19. House substitute rejected by Senate

    2/27/2026Senate
  20. Passed House with substitute (80-Y 14-N 0-A)

    2/25/2026House
  21. Engrossed by House - committee substitute

    2/25/2026House
  22. committee substitute agreed to

    2/25/2026House
  23. Read third time

    2/25/2026House
  24. Read second time

    2/24/2026House
  25. Committee substitute printed 26108333D-H1

    2/20/2026House

Bill Text

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