Energy & Data Center Virginia 2026 Legislative Update
In this webinar, Williams Mullen attorneys Bradley J. Nowak, Chair of the Energy, Environment and Regulatory (EER) Section and Co‑Chair of the Data Center Practice, and Christopher J. McDonald, Director of Government Relations, provide an in‑depth update on 2026 Virginia legislation impacting data centers and the Commonwealth’s broader energy and infrastructure landscape.
The presenters examine the political and regulatory outcomes of the 2026 General Assembly session and their impact on data center development, operations, and long‑term planning. Key topics include energy procurement and transmission, grid and infrastructure planning, siting and land use requirements, water usage reporting, backup generation standards, clean energy obligations, and the future of the data center retail sales and use tax exemption.
The webinar also provides a broader overview of 2026 Virginia energy legislation, including renewable energy and energy storage expansion, community and shared solar programs, siting reform, interconnection and permitting processes, clean energy finance initiatives, State Corporation Commission oversight, and Virginia’s return to the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI).
Drawing on Williams Mullen’s integrated Data Centers, Energy, Energy and Government Relations practices, the webinar offers practical guidance for stakeholders navigating Virginia’s evolving legislative and regulatory environment.
Scroll below to Related Insights & Events to view the full recordings of both webinar sessions.
Join us Thursday, March 26, 2026 from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM EST for our annual webinar to get the inside scoop on key energy and data center legislation passed during the 2026 Virginia General Assembly session.
Two Focused Sessions:
- Energy Bills: 11:00 – 11:30 AM ET
- Data Center Bills: 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM ET
Hosted by Brad Nowak, Chair of Williams Mullen’s Energy, Environment and Regulatory Section and Co-Chair of firm’s Data Center Practice, along with Chris McDonald, Director of Government Relations.
What you will learn:
- Key insights into newly passed energy and data center legislation
- Potential impacts on your business and operations
- Practical takeaways for compliance, planning and strategy
- Updates on energy and data center-related amendments and bills that did not pass
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