{
  "id": "va-hb1601-2025-datacenter-siting-vetoed",
  "jurisdiction": "VA",
  "kind": "statute",
  "status": "withdrawn",
  "title": "Siting of Data Centers; Site Assessment (2025 HB 1601 / SB 1449 -- vetoed)",
  "citation": "2025 H 1601 (Enrolled, as passed by the General Assembly; never enacted -- vetoed by the Governor)",
  "docket_no": null,
  "agency": "Virginia General Assembly; Office of the Governor of Virginia",
  "utility": null,
  "verification": "unverified",
  "updated_at": "2026-08-19T22:38:23.738573+00:00",
  "record_url": "https://verifiedatlas.com/i/va-hb1601-2025-datacenter-siting-vetoed/",
  "snapshot_built_at": "2026-09-14T14:33:17+00:00",
  "sources": [
    {
      "url": "https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1069079.PDF",
      "pinpoint": "full text (single-page enrolled bill)",
      "quote": "A. As used in this section, \"high energy use facility\" or \"HEUF\" means a facility that an applicant reasonably anticipates at the time of filing a rezoning application, special exception application, or special use permit application will require 100 megawatts or more of electrical power from an electric utility providing retail service to the facility. B. Prior to any approval of a rezoning application, special exception, or special use permit for the siting of a new HEUF, a locality shall require that an applicant perform and submit a site assessment to examine, to the extent practicable and within the timeline provided by subdivision A 7 of § 15.2-2286, the sound profile of the HEUF on residential units and schools located within 500 feet of the HEUF property boundary.",
      "quote_chars": 782,
      "title": "2025 Session, Enrolled HB1601ER -- An Act to amend the Code of Virginia by adding § 15.2-2209.4, relating to siting of data centers; site assessment; high energy use facility",
      "source_type": "docket",
      "verification": "verified"
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.mcguirewoods.com/client-resources/alerts/2025/5/virginia-governor-vetoes-data-center-bill/",
      "pinpoint": "article body, paragraphs 1-2",
      "quote": "On May 2, 2025, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin vetoed Senate Bill 1449 and HB 1601, which would have imposed new requirements on local governments reviewing land use applications for high-energy-use facilities, including data centers. Citing concerns over reduced local autonomy and increased regulatory burdens, the governor stated his concern that the bill’s one-size-fits-all approach could hinder data center development and chill future investment. He emphasized the industry’s critical role in Virginia’s economy, highlighting $24 billion in FY23 capital investment, $733 million in tax revenue for Loudoun County and statewide contributions of 74,000 jobs and $9.1 billion to GDP.",
      "quote_chars": 685,
      "title": "McGuireWoods, \"Virginia Governor Vetoes Data Center Bill\" (client alert)",
      "source_type": "company",
      "verification": "verified"
    }
  ],
  "access": "Recorded term fields, and quotes past the first 3, are in the $99 state pass or the $199 all-states pass. Identity, citation, every source document and every pinpoint are open. https://verifiedatlas.com/pricing/"
}