On the same day, the General Assembly decides whether to move forward with meaningful reforms to data center tax and energy policy 

RICHMOND, VA — Virginia State Senator Lamont Bagby and Delegate Rip Sullivan joined hundreds of grassroots advocates from across the Commonwealth today to urge the General Assembly to support a clean, affordable, and just energy future. With today being the last opportunity to act on bills before “crossover,” this year’s Climate Lobby Day comes at a critical moment as several major initiatives receive votes on the chambers’ floor. Advocates called on lawmakers to ensure strong climate policies make it over the finish line, including measures to prevent the buildout of billions of dollars of new gas infrastructure associated with the unchecked growth of energy-hungry data centers, reform the process of solar project approval, and rejoin the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI).

“HB 897 says, if you’re going to be here in Virginia, if you’re going to boast about what a good corporate citizen you are, about how you’re trying to make our communities better, you need to be part of the solution,” said Delegate Rip Sullivan (District 6) about one of the 2026 Climate Lobby Day legislative priorities. “And BH 897 does things like hold [data centers] to clean energy goals. And HB 897 is directed at backup diesel power generators…We have to wean this industry off of these diesel power generators. They’re doing it in other parts of the world. We can do it here in Virginia.”

“We’re here today to make it clear that Virginians expect bold leadership that reins in unchecked data center growth, invests in clean energy, and puts people over corporate profits,” said Victoria Higgins, Virginia Director at Chesapeake Climate Action Network Action Fund. “Our lawmakers must stand with families who are tired of higher bills, dirtier air, and communities treated as sacrifice zones.”

Virginia’s climate movement is in a powerful position to advance policies that deliver cleaner air, lower electric bills, and a sustainable future for all. But powerful political entities such as the world’s biggest tech companies and monopoly utilities are trying to weaken and prevent necessary reforms. Speakers at the event underscored that progress on clean energy is about cutting utility costs, creating good-paying local jobs, and securing a healthier, more resilient future for communities across the state. 

“The time for action on critical environmental priorities is now. The huge showing by climate action advocates in Richmond today means it is time for our leaders to invest in clean energy and tackle the unacceptable threats to our air and water,” said Connor Kish, Director of the Sierra Club Virginia Chapter. 

“I am deeply concerned that Loudoun County is becoming an industrial wasteland by the development of Data Center Alley and beyond,” said Natalie Pien, Virginia Climate Activist. “Data center development must be meaningfully and comprehensively managed and regulated.”

“Climate activism is not something that we do because we are kind, charitable people. It is something that we are called to do for the sake of justice,” said Callie Coffey, Open High School Climate Club. “As people with power and privilege and influence, we are responsible for making change. Climate cannot be separated from race, class, or gender, and a livable future requires the complete liberation of all oppressed people.” 

This Climate Lobby Day brought together hundreds of Virginians, from seasoned advocates and first-time participants alike, to channel their collective voices into meaningful legislative action. Their message to lawmakers was clear: Virginia’s future depends on putting people and the planet over industry profits. 

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