Shapiro circumvents legislature, signs executive order to make GRID standards law
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro signed Executive Order 2026-05, establishing new statewide "GRID Requirements" for data center permit applications. This order aims to give local communities more power over development, protect residents, and ensure developers meet strict standards for energy, environment, and transparency. It also removes AI data center projects from the state's Permit Fast Track Program.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro signed Executive Order 2026-05 in Harrisburg, mandating new statewide "Governor's Responsible Infrastructure Development (GRID) Requirements" for all data center permit proposals. This executive action aims to prevent "speculative, irresponsible" data center projects, empower local communities in development decisions, and protect Pennsylvania residents from potential negative impacts on the environment and utility bills.
Under the new order, Commonwealth agencies, including the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Department of Revenue, are directed to ensure data center developers make legally binding commitments to meet the GRID standards. These standards encompass energy affordability, community engagement, workforce development, transparency, and environmental protection. Crucially, DEP will now only proceed with permit review if developers have committed to GRID requirements and secured all necessary local approvals.
Governor Shapiro also announced the immediate removal of all AI data center projects from the PA Permit Fast Track Program, with no future data center projects to be considered for it. The order implements new public transparency requirements and prohibits nondisclosure agreements for data center projects. Shapiro stated that this executive order was necessary due to the General Assembly's inaction, specifically citing Senate Republicans' refusal to advance data center protection legislation, despite the House having passed related bills.