Center of attention: Data centers are dominating Pennsylvania’s gubernatorial race

Data centers have emerged as a significant and polarizing issue in Pennsylvania's gubernatorial election between Democratic incumbent Gov. Josh Shapiro and Republican challenger State Treasurer Stacy Garrity. Recent polls indicate strong public opposition to data center construction, with 75% of Americans and 74% of Pennsylvanians reportedly against such projects in their communities.

Responding to growing sentiment, Gov. Shapiro has shifted his position, recently signing an executive order to establish stricter 'responsible development' standards for data centers. These standards, initially proposed but unable to pass the Republican-led state Senate, require developers to comply with energy safeguards, secure local community approval, and remove data center projects from the state's permit fast-track program. Shapiro, who previously supported data center investments like Amazon's two campuses in Luzerne and Bucks counties, emphasized the need to protect Pennsylvanians from potential environmental impacts, including emissions, water use, and increased energy costs.

Stacy Garrity has used Shapiro's past support for data centers as a point of attack, accusing him of 'gaslighting' the public. She has pledged to support a moratorium on data center development if elected. Conversely, Shapiro's campaign has criticized Garrity's past comments advocating for deregulation to promote data center development, highlighting a perceived inconsistency in her stance. The escalating rhetoric underscores the growing political and public debate surrounding data center expansion in the state.