Senate committee advances bill requiring data‑center sound and site studies before local approval
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Summary
The Senate Committee on Local Government voted to report Senate Bill 130 and refer it to Finance after testimony from environmental groups, local advocates and opponents. The bill would require sound modeling, water‑use estimates and site assessments before siting high‑energy users near homes or schools.
Senate Bill 130, sponsored by Senator Eban, was advanced by the Senate Committee on Local Government after an extended hearing that featured broad support from environmental and civic groups and pointed criticism from an opposing witness.
The bill would require developers of high‑energy‑use facilities — including data centers — to commission and file sound studies and site assessments before localities approve projects sited within 500 feet of houses or schools. It also authorizes local governments to seek evaluations of potential impacts to water supply, agricultural land, parks, historic sites and wooded areas before project approval.
Supporters framed the legislation as a transparency and public‑information measure. Dan Holmes of the Piedmont Environmental Council said the bill gives “the transparency that citizens need” and singled out water‑use estimates and energy infrastructure as information local governments should have before permitting large users. Trip Pollard of the Southern Environmental Law Center and representatives of the Virginia League of Conservation Voters and Preservation Virginia urged the committee to consider impacts on historic and natural resources near proposed campuses.
Opposition testimony came from Dr. Sheila Furey, who warned of broader environmental and public‑health consequences from the rapid growth of data centers — citing electricity and water consumption, electronic waste, and noise and vibration impacts in residential areas. Dr. Furey told senators that data centers account for roughly 5 percent of global electricity use and described persistent vibration and noise experienced by residents near existing facilities.
Senator Roem acknowledged the clustering of proposals near Manassas National Battlefield Park in her district and said this bill was one of several measures this session intended to increase oversight. Senator Eban said the bill builds on a 2024 JLARC study and provides “information that you should have” before considering large users.
After questions, the committee voted to report SB130 and refer it to the Senate Finance Committee for further review. No amendments were adopted on the floor during this hearing.
Next steps: SB130 will be considered by the Senate Finance Committee; proponents indicated they would continue work with local governments and stakeholders on additional reforms during the session.
