VA SB552

Requires Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) approval of site assessments before localities can approve rezoning, special exceptions, or special use permits for large data centers (1+ megawatt critical IT load) or major expansions

Site assessments must examine impacts on noise, light pollution, water usage, air emissions, traffic, agricultural resources, and forestland, with specific attention to residential units and schools within 500 feet of the property boundary

Mandates two public hearings for each large data center proposal: one initial hearing and a second after the site assessment is submitted to DEQ, with at least seven days public notice required

DEQ must review and respond to site assessments within 90 days and may impose conditions, mitigation requirements, or civil penalties for violations; the Attorney General may seek injunctive relief for ongoing violations

Effective date of July 1, 2027, with DEQ required to develop uniform statewide site assessment standards by that date in consultation with stakeholders including counties, farm bureaus, environmental councils, and data center engineers