VA HB323

Directs the Virginia Department of Energy to lead efforts accelerating beneficial use of waste heat from data centers across the Commonwealth

Requires the Department to identify opportunities for waste heat use and facilitate connections between data centers and potential heat users, including residential, commercial, and public buildings, district heating systems, and low-temperature heat industries

Mandates evaluation of best practices and policies for waste heat utilization implemented in other localities, states, or countries

Establishes a work group including representatives from the Virginia Economic Development Partnership Authority, data center industry, local governments, utilities, state agencies, and potential heat users

Requires a report with findings, legislative proposals, and policy recommendations to be submitted to the House Committee on Labor and Commerce and Senate Committee on Commerce and Labor by September 1, 2026