Abigail Spanberger's data center plan is facing criticism that one of its key provisions may work against itself: Limits on on-site natural gas generation could make it harder, not easier, for large data centers to support Virginia's already-stressed electric grid. The stakes are high because Virginia is already struggling to keep up with rapidly growing data-center electricity demand, especially in Northern Virginia, where demand is outpacing the expansion of transmission lines and substations. Restricting on-site natural gas generation could make it harder for large data centers to add dependable power at a time when the state is trying to stabilize the grid while also shifting toward cleaner energy sources.
WHO PAYS FOR US POWER BOOM? BLUE, RED STATES OFFER STARKLY DIFFERENT WAYS TO LOWER UTILITY BILLS AMID AI SURGE "Everyone recognizes the need for changes in how Virginia engages with data centers. But the Governor’s proposal is internally contradictory and raises serious questions about whether it can actually work," Virginia House Minority Leader Terry Kilgore told Fox News Digital.
Spanberger’s Data Center Accountability Framework calls for data centers to help stabilize the electric grid while limiting the amount of electricity they can generate from on-site natural gas. Kilgore, R-Gate City, noted that the plan states data centers should source their "own clean power" while at the same time seeking to "limit the amount of electricity data centers can generate from … natural gas." The plan also calls for accelerated clean energy development and prioritizes grid access for data centers that invest in "clean energy" or "further limit on-site natural gas generation." "And if they fail to meet the governor’s preferred energy standards, they could face higher taxes," Kilgore said. "What reliable, dispatchable source of power is supposed to fill the gap?
That’s not a political question: it’s how the grid works." A Spanberger spokesperson told Fox News Digital that the governor's plan is the "most comprehensive and wide-ranging" in the country and that it aims to protect both Virginia residents and the commonwealth's "natural beauty." "The Governor’s plan also ends secrecy around data centers by banning non-disclosure agreements and strengthening local approval. While Governor Spanberger is pushing to hold data centers accountable — an action polling shows is overwhelming supported by Democrats and Republicans — the Trump Administration has continued to dismiss the very real concerns Virginians have about data centers’ energy, water, and land usage," the spokesperson said. Spanberger’s plan can still allow data centers to construct on-site power, as the framework only restricts the use of that power.
She also signed a bill by Del. Rip Sullivan, D-Great Falls, that sharply increased Virginia's goals for energy storage, including a target of 1,600 MW of storage capacity at homes and businesses. GREG ABBOTT EFFECTIVELY PAUSES NEW DATA CENTER PROJECTS PENDING STATEWIDE GRID AUDIT Republicans said they found some common ground with Spanberger on the issue, citing public unease about the explosion in data center construction and stress on resources.
"I am glad the Governor is finally talking about high power bills and data centers. Virginians already are," Senate Minority Leader Ryan McDougle, R-Hanover, said in a statement obtained by Fox News Digital. "This should not be a partisan issue." But he also echoed Kilgore’s concern about the plan’s energy-generation dynamics amid looming zero-emissions requirements.
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