Pennsylvania Governor Shifts Stance on Data Centers; State House Passes Moratorium Bill
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has reversed his previous stance on data centers, signing an executive order requiring new permit applications to comply with Responsible Infrastructure Development (GRID) Requirements and removing AI data center projects from the state's fast-track program. This shift comes as the Pennsylvania House passed a data center moratorium bill, and state legislators like Sen. Jarrett Coleman and Sen. Tracy Pennycuick have sponsored similar legislation, reflecting growing public and political pressure for local control and environmental review.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has significantly altered his pro-data center development policies, signing an executive order to impose stricter regulations on new data center projects. This move mandates that all data center proposals applying for permits must now comply with the Governor's Responsible Infrastructure Development (GRID) Requirements and secure local approval. Furthermore, Shapiro has removed all AI data center projects from the state's Permit Fast Track Program, indicating a more cautious approach to their development.
This policy reversal follows increasing pressure from state legislators and public opinion. Republican State Treasurer Stacy Garrity, a vocal critic, accused Shapiro of "gaslighting" Pennsylvanians, citing his previous support for data centers and substantial campaign donations from out-of-state data center interests. She advocates for a moratorium to allow municipalities to implement their own ordinances. State Sen. Jarrett Coleman (R-Bucks/Lehigh) and Sen. Tracy Pennycuick (R-Berks/Montgomery) have also sponsored legislation for a data center moratorium, emphasizing the importance of local control and transparency in permitting processes.
Adding to the momentum, the Pennsylvania House passed a data center moratorium bill on August 13. The article highlights that an Amazon data center currently under construction in Falls Township has been among those drawing protests, providing context for the statewide policy shift towards increased scrutiny of data center development.