Gov. Shapiro releases ‘Governor’s Responsible Infrastructure Development’ standards
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has unveiled the Governor’s Responsible Infrastructure Development (GRID) standards for data center development. These statewide standards set clear requirements for developers seeking state support, focusing on energy affordability, environmental protection, transparency, and workforce development. The initiative aims to ensure data centers provide community value and mitigate impacts on Pennsylvanians.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has officially released the Governor’s Responsible Infrastructure Development (GRID) standards, establishing strict accountability requirements for data center development across the Commonwealth. Introduced during the Governor’s 2026-27 budget address, these standards are designed to guide developers seeking state support, including coordinated project assistance through the Office of Transformation and Opportunity (OTO), expedited permitting, and access to state tax incentives.
The GRID Standards, developed with input from local leaders, labor, industry, and environmental groups, mandate that data center developers demonstrate concrete value to local communities, mitigate adverse impacts, and ensure responsible development. Governor Shapiro emphasized the need for strict accountability to protect consumers, strengthen communities, and prioritize Pennsylvanians, particularly in response to concerns about the impact of data center development on utility bills and the environment.
To qualify for GRID Certification, developers must submit a joint application to the OTO and the Department of Revenue (DOR), detailing their plans to meet four key areas: protecting energy affordability, promoting transparency and community engagement, supporting workforce and economic development, and strengthening environmental protection. Rick Siger, Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, highlighted that these standards enable Pennsylvania to selectively support projects that bring economic opportunity without harming local communities, requiring developers to fund their own energy needs, meet environmental criteria, create local jobs, and generate tax revenue.
Upon certification, projects become eligible for OTO's PA Permit Fast Track Program and the Computer Data Center Equipment Exemption Program, which offers a state sales tax exemption. The Shapiro Administration is also advocating for legislative amendments to this tax benefit, requiring GRID certification for eligibility, to ensure that the projected $517 million annual savings from this exemption by FY 2030-31 are reinvested into public priorities like education and infrastructure.