Bill led by Sen. Roem receives final legislative approval to restrict data centers to industrial zones

An approved bill sponsored by State Sen. Danica A. Roem limits new data center development to land designated for industrial use or currently used for industrial purposes, aligning with specific land use policies, according to the Virginia State Senate.

The legislation secured passage in both the House and Senate and was enrolled on March 30, 2026. The House voted 80-14 in favor, while the Senate vote ended at 21-18.

Named SB94 and introduced Jan. 14, 2026, during that year’s regular session, state legislative records summarize the bill as relating to “Data centers; site assessment, sound profile of the high energy use facility.”

Below is our summary, interpreted from the official bill text, which clarifies major provisions.

This legislation restricts the approval of data center projects to properties that are either industrially zoned or currently used for industrial activity. Any local government’s land use application for such projects may only be granted for sites fulfilling this criterion. It reflects the state tax law’s “data center” definition, and applies to applications filed on or after July 1, 2026.

On the House floor, the bill received support from 61 Democrats and 19 Republicans; 14 Republicans opposed it.

In the Senate, 18 Democrats and three Republicans were in favor, while opposition included three Democrats and 15 Republicans.

The bill was sponsored by Sen. Danica A. Roem (D-30th District) and Sen. Adam P. Ebbin (D-39th District).

Roem is an alumnus of St. Bonaventure University, earning her BA in 2006.

A Democrat, Roem was elected in 2024 to represent Virginia’s 30th Senate district, succeeding former state senator Adam Ebbin.

In Virginia, the legislative procedure starts with a bill’s introduction in either the House of Delegates or Senate, assignment to a committee for review or amendment, then floor consideration in each chamber. After passage in both chambers, it moves to the governor, who may sign, veto, or permit enactment without a signature. The General Assembly convenes in annual regular session from the second Monday in January, with lawmakers advancing hundreds of bills, though a fraction become law.

Reporting for this article referenced the Virginia State Senate. The referenced information can be viewed here.