Pennsylvania Governor Shapiro signs executive order imposing strict data center requirements
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro signed an executive order enacting strict new requirements for data center development statewide, reversing his previous pro-data center stance. The new rules, a response to public outcry, mandate developers pay for their own energy, report water and energy usage, and engage with local communities. While four existing projects, including two Amazon data centers, received permits before these changes, all future permits will be subject to the tougher regulations.
Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania recently signed an executive order that significantly alters the landscape for data center development across the state. This move marks a departure from his earlier support for data centers, introducing stringent new requirements for developers.
The executive order transforms previously suggested "GRID rules" (Governor's Responsible Infrastructure Development) into mandatory requirements for large projects. Notably, data centers have been removed from the state's fast-track permitting program. To qualify for state permits and tax incentives, developers must now enter legally binding agreements to cover their own energy costs, meticulously report water and energy consumption, and engage with local communities early in the process.
This policy shift was directly influenced by considerable public outcry, with a recent Quinnipiac poll indicating that 75% of Pennsylvanians oppose having a data center in their immediate vicinity. With midterm elections approaching, data center development has emerged as a significant campaign issue statewide.
Four data center projects had already secured state permits before the new rules took effect, including two Amazon data centers in Bucks and Luzerne counties, and two other projects in Lancaster and Westmoreland counties. However, any future permits these projects require will be subject to the newly enacted regulations.