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Bill > HB153

VA HB153

VA HB153
Data centers; site assessment, sound profile of the high energy use facility.

summary

Introduced
01/06/2026
In Committee
03/09/2026
Crossed Over
03/14/2026
Passed
03/30/2026
Dead

Introduced Session

2026 Regular Regular Session

Bill 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 HB 511 and is identical to SB 94.

AI Summary

This bill requires that before a local government can approve a rezoning, special exception, or special use permit for a new "high energy use facility" (HEUF), defined as a facility expected to need 100 megawatts or more of electricity, the applicant must submit a site assessment. This assessment must specifically examine the noise the HEUF would create for nearby homes and schools within 500 feet, and the local government can also require the assessment to look at the facility's impact on water resources, farmland, parks, historic sites, and forests on or next to the property. Additionally, the electric utility serving the HEUF must provide information about substations and transmission voltage. These assessments will help the locality ensure the facility aligns with its comprehensive plan and complies with local noise and zoning rules, but they do not affect the State Corporation Commission's authority. This requirement does not apply to expansions of existing facilities that add less than 100 megawatts of power, and it does not override existing local zoning powers.

Committee Categories

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

Sponsors (10)

Last Action

Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026 (on 03/31/2026)

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