Both House Bill 641 and Senate Bill 393, known as the Virginia’s Great Outdoors Act, were defeated in the General Assembly, leaving $250 million in annual funding for land conservation, public lands, trails, and outdoor recreation unapproved.
The legislation would have funded these initiatives through a $3 per square foot annual tax on data centers operating in Virginia. The proposal would have established a dedicated funding stream for state parks, trails, farmland preservation, and the newly proposed Virginia Tribal Commitment Fund.
The Virginia Conservation Network, which supported the legislation, noted that Virginia’s public lands, which provide residents and tourists access to small parks, large national forests, and historic and cultural resources, face increasing pressure to be converted for other uses.
The defeat leaves ongoing maintenance shortfalls and underfunding of the state’s public lands unresolved.
According to an article published by Virginia Conservation Network on February 12, it cited broad public support, noting that 90% of Virginians favor increased investment in public lands.
The bills, patroned by Delegate Paul Krizek, D-16, and Senator Russet Perry, D-31, were intended to address “deferred maintenance” on state parks, improve trails, and fund new public lands acquisitions.
The legislation also proposed creating an Office of Outdoor Recreation to coordinate growth in Virginia’s outdoor recreation sector, which remains underdeveloped compared with neighboring states.
The measure aimed to expand equitable access to parks and greenspaces for communities historically underserved, including both urban and rural areas, and fund small grants supporting environmental education programs for children.
“We will continue to work with our partners to support efforts to increase conservation and outdoor recreation funding for Virginia’s Great Outdoors,” the announcement indicates.
Beyond the immediate legislative outcome, the public conversation offers valuable insights for campground operators seeking to connect with today’s outdoor recreation consumers. The attention this proposal generated around environmental impacts and land conservation reflects broader consumer expectations that outdoor hospitality operators can leverage.
Properties implementing visible sustainability practices such as solar panels, recycling programs, and native landscaping can potentially generate stronger guest reviews.
Water conservation measures and energy-efficient infrastructure also reduce operating costs while appealing to environmentally conscious travelers who increasingly expect businesses to demonstrate environmental responsibility.