Pennsylvania Governor Enacts Data Center Development Restrictions

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has signed an executive order introducing major restrictions on data center development in the state, requiring developers to internalize energy costs, minimize environmental impact, prioritize local hires, and obtain local authority approval. The move, aimed at curbing speculative developments that have caused community disruption, comes amidst growing public opposition across Pennsylvania.

Matthew Mehalik, executive director of the Breathe Project, an organization focused on improving air quality in southwestern Pennsylvania, commended the governor's action from Pittsburgh. Mehalik highlighted that three-quarters of Pennsylvanians oppose unchecked data center development, largely due to past projects that have disregarded local interests. He emphasized that the executive order enhances local control, provides more information to communities, and aims to stabilize utility costs which have escalated.

Mehalik clarified that the order is not an "about-face" on innovation but rather a call for responsible development that respects community land use. He cited instances in places like Shippingport, Pennsylvania, where vast tracts of land, including residents' property, have been destroyed for infrastructure like gas pipelines to feed large data centers, some reaching 560 acres. Communities have also voiced concerns about noise pollution and the destruction of wetlands and local environments.

The governor's initiative also includes creating a public map of proposed data centers and their power sources, empowering residents to engage with local planning officials. Mehalik suggested a further step would be to place greater emphasis on renewable energy sources, as many current problems stem from reliance on fossil fuels like fracked gas.