The Data Center Boom and Virginia’s Rising Energy Costs

Virginia remains at the center of the nation's data center expansion, raising important questions about energy demand, transmission infrastructure siting and investment, and rising utility costs. During the 2026 General Assembly session, lawmakers passed numerous bills addressing data center development, energy infrastructure, and related regulatory processes. While these changes reshape portions of the state's regulatory framework, local governments retain their land use authority and their role in energy-related decision-making.

Join Sands Anderson attorneys Max Hlavin, Adam Winston, and Elizabeth Chupik, along with special guest Ryan Freed, Climate Action Officer for the City of Alexandria, for the August installment of Practical Law for Civic Leaders. This discussion will examine how Virginia's data center boom is affecting local governments, provide context for emerging energy and transmission infrastructure challenges, and identify practical considerations for civic leaders as the policy landscape continues to evolve.