Shapiro administration releases development standards for data centers
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has released new voluntary development standards, called GRID Standards, for data centers seeking state support and tax incentives. These standards address concerns about energy, water use, environmental impact, and community engagement. The move comes amid increasing opposition to data center development across the state.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro's administration has unveiled the Governor’s Responsible Infrastructure Development (GRID) Standards, a set of voluntary guidelines for data center developers seeking state support and tax incentives. The initiative responds to growing community concerns and opposition regarding data centers' impact on water supplies, the environment, and electricity bills across Pennsylvania.
Under the GRID Standards, developers must submit applications detailing their plans for community engagement, economic development, and ensuring no increase in residential electricity bills. Key requirements include providing for the data center's energy needs without burdening ratepayers, limiting water and energy consumption, curbing air pollution, and creating at least 200 construction jobs at prevailing wages. Developers must also enter into community benefit agreements and provide public meeting plans. Meeting these standards makes projects eligible for fast-tracked permits from the state's Office of Transformation and Opportunity. Additionally, the Shapiro administration has created a 'toolkit' to help municipalities evaluate data center proposals.
The new standards have received a mixed reception. Environmental advocacy group Penn Future criticized them as