Could a Bucks County Amazon data center be affected by Gov. Shapiro’s order?
Amazon's data center in Falls Township, Bucks County, is awaiting a crucial permit for backup generators from the PA DEP, which has received over 1,200 public comments, mostly in opposition. This comes amid a new executive order from Governor Shapiro restricting data center development statewide and local opposition efforts, including a petition for a moratorium and a zoning ordinance being declared invalid by the Falls Township Board of Supervisors.
Amazon's planned hyperscale data center in Falls Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, is facing significant hurdles, including a pending permit for 280 natural gas-fired backup generators from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The DEP's review has attracted over 1,200 public comments, largely opposing the permit.
This local development is also impacted by a new executive order from Governor Josh Shapiro, which dramatically restricts data center development across Pennsylvania. The order removes all data center projects, including Amazon's, from the state’s fast-track permitting program and requires local approval for state permits, mandating legally binding consent orders for environmental requirements. This marks a sharp shift from Governor Shapiro's earlier support for Amazon's $20 billion data center investment in the state.
Public and local opposition has intensified due to concerns over environmental impacts like air and noise pollution, and the demand for electricity and water. Nearly 5,000 people have signed a petition advocating for a data center moratorium in Falls Township. Additionally, the Falls Township Board of Supervisors recently approved a resolution declaring a portion of a zoning ordinance for data centers