FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Kendl Kobbervig, Clean Virginia Communications Director
[email protected], (608) 575-8798
February 25, 2025
Bipartisan Momentum for Lower Energy Bills and Campaign Finance Reform; Lawmakers Stall on Data Center Oversight
RICHMOND, VA – Virginia lawmakers advanced bipartisan reforms to address soaring electric bills and close a campaign finance loophole, but key proposals to regulate the growing data center industry stalled during the 2025 General Assembly session.
Utility monopolies and rising bills
Responding to constituent concerns, legislators from both parties united to combat rising electric bills. Both the House and Senate unanimously approved House Bill 2621 and Senate Bill 1076, which provide limited protections for ratepayers in Appalachian Power Company’s service territory. Additionally, Southwest Virginia lawmakers urged the State Corporation Commission to review Appalachian Power’s monopoly structure, noting a 70% increase in electric bills since 2007.
“Lawmakers heard a clear message this legislative session: Virginia families and businesses have had enough of skyrocketing electric bills,” said Brennan Gilmore, Clean Virginia Executive Director. “Too many Virginians are forced to choose between keeping the lights on and putting food on the table. Reforming outdated energy policies that favor shareholder profits over community needs is long overdue. While this bipartisan push is a promising start, we still have a long way to go.”
Important step forward in campaign finance reform
In a significant move for campaign finance reform, the Campaign Integrity Act—which prohibits candidates and lawmakers from using campaign funds for personal expenses—passed unanimously in both the House (HB2165) and the Senate (SB1002).
“The unanimous passage of the Campaign Integrity Act is a crucial step toward restoring trust in Virginia’s political system,” continued Gilmore. “For 15 years, a basic loophole in campaign finance has eroded public confidence in our elections. This bipartisan victory proves that real reform is possible, though there’s still more work ahead to enact stronger campaign finance laws that put voters, not special interests, first.”
Missed opportunities for responsible data center development
Despite nearly 50 bills addressing the data center industry and a bipartisan framework for responsible growth—including HB2101, SB960, HB2035, HB2027, HB1601, HB2578, and SB1196—most of these critical measures did not advance. Ultimately, legislators fell short of delivering the robust protections needed to shield Virginia families and businesses from the rising costs of data center expansion.
“Lawmakers had a chance to enact meaningful safeguards to ensure data centers do not drive up costs for Virginia families, strain our energy grid or sidestep accountability. Instead, lobbyists representing the largest tech companies in the world blocked essential reforms, leaving communities vulnerable to higher bills and unchecked industry expansion. When special interests stall necessary reforms, Virginia families pay the price,” added Gilmore.
###
Clean Virginia is a 501(c)4 independent advocacy organization with an associated Political Action Committee, Clean Virginia Fund. Clean Virginia works to fight corruption in Virginia politics in order to promote clean and affordable energy. We are motivated by the core belief that our democracy should serve everyday Virginians over special interests.