Spanberger's data center plan on collision course with her party's green energy push, critics warn

Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger's data center plan is facing criticism that one of its key provisions may work against itself.

Limits on on-site natural gas generation could make it harder, not easier, for large data centers to support Virginia's already-stressed electric grid.

The stakes are high because Virginia is already struggling to keep up with rapidly growing data center electricity demand, especially in Northern Virginia, where demand is outpacing the expansion of transmission lines and substations.