Pa. data center pause? Garrity, Shapiro stake out positions

The politics surrounding data center development in Pennsylvania are increasingly bipartisan, with state Rep. Charity Krupa, a Republican from southern Fayette County, cosponsoring a bill to allow municipalities to implement an 18-month moratorium on data center projects. This move aims to provide time for communities to update their zoning codes, addressing local concerns about high-voltage electric lines, rising energy prices, water depletion, and noise pollution.

Governor Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, recently released his "responsible infrastructure development" standards, or GRID plan, which seeks to encourage companies to invest in communities, generate their own energy, and adhere to environmental standards. Meanwhile, State Treasurer Stacy Garrity, Shapiro's Republican gubernatorial challenger, has shifted her stance, now advocating for a statewide pause on data center development, despite previously promoting the industry's growth in Pennsylvania. Her campaign criticized Shapiro's plan as "damage control," while Shapiro's campaign spokesperson, Manuel Bonder, accused Garrity of being a "desperate politician" with a history of supporting unregulated development.

This debate occurs as neighboring states, such as Ohio and New York, are also re-evaluating their data center incentives or proposing development pauses. The Data Center Coalition, an industry advocacy group, opposes a statewide moratorium, arguing it would deter investment. U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick, a supporter of Garrity, emphasizes Pennsylvania's opportunity to lead in the AI and data center revolution, provided it benefits the state in profound ways. The issue highlights broader concerns among voters about the industry's impact on local resources and infrastructure.