RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Several bills aimed at reforming Virginia’s rapidly growing data center industry are failing to advance in the General Assembly. More than 50 data center–related bills were introduced this session, targeting issues such as state oversight, transparency and ratepayer pro tections. But several key proposals have already stalled or been killed in committee, even as public concern over the industry’s expansion continues to grow. “The public is confident that now’s the time to act dramatically,” said Christopher Miller, president of the Piedmont Environmental Council. Miller has been tracking the legislation alongside the Virginia Data Center Reform Coalition, which gathered at the state Capitol on Monday to lobby lawmakers for stronger regulation of data centers. RELATED: Watchdog for regional energy grid files complaint urging delay of data centers The coalition made up of more than 50 nonprofit organizations, advocacy groups and concerned citizens, have voiced concerns over the industry's strain on local power grids, infrastructure and water resources. “It’s pretty clear that the industry has encouraged leadership to essentially limit transparency and severely constrain the initiatives that would really change things,” Miller said. Some data center reform efforts are still alive, but Miller said many proposals have been amended from their original intent. “The watering down is, ‘How can we recognize what’s already starting to happen and get credit for addressing a problem without actually affecting decision-making?’” he said. Virginia is the data center capital of the world, powering more than 500 data centers. Advocates say this growth has outpaced the state’s regulatory framework. Critics argue the lack of state oversight leaves residents exposed to higher utility costs and puts pressure on natural resources. One bill that failed, House Bill 155, would have given the State Corporation Commission greater authority to regulate data centers’ energy use. Environmental groups identified it as a key component of broader reform. Despite the setbacks, Miller said advocates are hopeful for the remaining bills moving through the legislative process. “We’re not going to give up because we don’t pass bills in committee,” he said. “The real question is whether Virginia’s leadership is willing to stand up for residents and take accountability for the impacts and threats to our energy system, water supply and air quality.” The full scope of which data center reform bills survive this session will become clearer by next Wednesday’s crossover deadline, when legislation must pass one chamber to remain eligible for consideration. Virginia is considered the data center capital of the world. For more on data centers across the Commonwealth, click here. ...read more read less