PA governor signs executive order that could limit data centers
Governor Josh Shapiro signed an executive order in Pennsylvania, establishing what he termed the "nation's strictest guardrails on AI data centers." This action aims to curb speculative data center proposals that the governor believes are overwhelming the commonwealth and to protect residents from potentially higher costs. It comes amidst reports of over 100 new data center proposals across the state, prompting the governor to act against developers perceived as disregarding local communities.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro signed an executive order on Tuesday, implementing what he described as the "nation's strictest guardrails on AI data centers." The governor stated that this executive action is aimed at reining in data center developers who are attempting to override local communities' concerns and to safeguard Pennsylvanians from increased costs.
Governor Shapiro highlighted the rapid pace of data center development, recalling two significant projects announced last summer that promised thousands of jobs and billions in investment in Salem Township, Luzerne County, and Falls Township, Bucks County. However, he expressed concern over what he called an "unacceptable number of speculative proposals" since then, suggesting that these developments are overwhelming the commonwealth.
He further criticized many of these proposals for being led by developers who allegedly show "no regard for local communities." The executive order comes amid rumors of more than 100 data center proposals currently under discussion across Pennsylvania, underscoring the governor's intent to regulate the industry's expansion within the state.