Virginia General Assembly Criticized for Extending Data Center Tax Breaks Without Environmental or Community Safeguards

Instead of taking action to impose clean energy requirements, prohibit on-site polluting gas plants and limit pollution caused by backup diesel generators, legislators extended the 'no strings attached' annual $1.9 billion tax giveaway to the wealthiest companies in the world in the 2026 budget.

The General Assembly has turned its back on the people of Virginia and elevated corporate profits over Virginia communities already facing rising electricity bills, air and water pollution, strained land and water resources, and the unchecked expansion of an out-of-control industry.

If legislators are unwilling to require these safeguards, the tax exemptions should be repealed.

We must urge legislators to support a moratorium on new data center approvals, permits, and grid connections until adequate protections are in place.