Data centers are ‘redefining’ midterm races across Pennsylvania
Data center development has become a central issue in Pennsylvania's midterm elections, driven by public backlash against numerous proposed projects across the state. Governor Josh Shapiro issued an executive order requiring local approval and stricter environmental and energy standards for data center permits. His opponent, Stacy Garrity, has called for a temporary moratorium, while other candidates campaign on various forms of regulation or bans.
The article details how data center development has become a central and divisive issue in Pennsylvania's midterm elections, with over 120 proposed projects fueling public backlash. Governor Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, has significantly shifted his stance, signing an executive order in Harrisburg that mandates local approval and adherence to strict energy, environmental, and transparency standards before state permit review. This marks a departure from his previous support for fast-tracking data center permits, including a $20 billion Amazon project.
Shapiro's opponent, Republican State Treasurer Stacy Garrity, has advocated for a temporary moratorium on all data center development and criticized the Governor's past actions. The issue is prominent in at least 20 state House and Senate races, with candidates either opposing development, seeking more guardrails, or supporting moratoriums. For instance, in the 40th Senate District, where dozens of data centers are proposed in Archbald, Democrat Brian Wrightson campaigns on banning all data center development, citing environmental and quality of life concerns.
Republican incumbent Senator Rosemary Brown, challenged by Wrightson, has also proposed legislation to require third-party evaluations of water use and prohibit rezoning residential properties for data centers. Both campaigns have accused opponents of being influenced by "special interests" or data center developers, citing campaign contributions. Recent polling indicates nearly three-quarters of Pennsylvania voters oppose an AI data center in their community, and only 24% approve of Shapiro's handling of the issue, highlighting its significant political impact.