Gov. Shapiro restricts data center development in PA
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro signed an executive order to implement strict restrictions on data center development across the state. These new "guardrails" require developers to provide their own power infrastructure and obtain local community approval for projects. The initiative aims to prevent speculative and predatory data center developments in the Commonwealth.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has enacted an executive order imposing what he described as the nation's strictest data center development restrictions. This action, taken to combat an "unacceptable number of speculative proposals" for data centers, aims to prevent "predatory developers" from impacting the Commonwealth.
The new regulations stipulate that data center developers must secure their own power supply and cover all associated electricity costs. A significant component of the order is the emphasis on community control, ensuring that if a local community does not approve a proposed project, the state will also withhold its approval.
Governor Shapiro underscored that AI data center developers interested in operating in Pennsylvania must adhere to these stringent requirements and respect local communities. He warned that if developers are unwilling to meet these conditions, they should not consider Pennsylvania as a location for their projects.