Governor enacts strict regulations for Pennsylvania data centers
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has enacted an executive order mandating strict environmental guidelines for data center development in the state, making previously voluntary criteria compulsory. This action aims to prevent industry exploitation of communities, following the state Senate's failure to pass similar legislation. Industry representatives express concern that these new rules could jeopardize billions in planned investments across Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has signed an executive order implementing what he calls the "strictest guardrails" in the country for AI data center development. The order mandates compliance with new environmental guidelines, making the previously voluntary Governor’s Responsible Infrastructure Development (GRID) requirements compulsory for all data center proposals. Shapiro took this executive action after the Republican-controlled state Senate did not pass similar legislation from the Democratic House.
The new rules, announced on August 18, require developers to meet specific environmental criteria. Additionally, the state will establish a public database of projects under review and prohibit non-disclosure agreements. The order also eliminates fast-track permitting, even for projects already in the pipeline.
Governor Shapiro emphasized that his administration would prevent industries from "running roughshod over our communities," signaling a shift in the state's approach to industrial development.
Industry representatives have voiced strong opposition, asserting that these regulations jeopardize billions of dollars in planned investments across Pennsylvania. State officials estimate around 100 data center projects are currently in development within the state.