Virginia bans data center NDAs under new Data Center Accountability Framework signed Oct. 1, 2026
Governor Abigail Spanberger signed an executive order creating the Data Center Accountability Framework, which bans non-disclosure agreements for data center projects and calls for a review of the impact of backup generators, specifically diesel units. It also expedites development of data center noise regulations, creates a planning and community engagement toolkit for local governments, and sets up an AI task force. Her office describes it as the most comprehensive data center accountability effort in the US.
Developers in the world's largest data center market will no longer be able to rely on NDAs to keep project details confidential, and should plan for earlier public disclosure plus possible new rules on diesel backup generators and noise.
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