How Josh Shapiro’s early embrace of data centers is testing his high popularity in Pennsylvania

Governor Josh Shapiro's initial strategy to attract major data center investments to Pennsylvania, including a $20 billion commitment from Amazon for facilities in Luzerne and Bucks Counties, is now creating political vulnerability. Shapiro, who initially promised to fast-track permitting and offer tax breaks to "move at the speed of business," is facing increasing public and political opposition. Voters, along with progressive advocacy groups like Pennsylvania Stands Up, express concerns over water and energy resources, community impact, and a perceived lack of transparency from "Big Tech."

In response to the growing outcry, Governor Shapiro has begun to adjust his stance, moving from drafting data center incentives with industry to vowing executive actions to curb projects in opposing communities. His press secretary, Rosie Lapowsky, stated Shapiro intends to use "all the tools available to him to stop the dozens of speculative data center projects." State Senator Katie Muth (D., Chester), a vocal critic, is sponsoring a bipartisan bill for a three-year moratorium on hyperscale data center development.

Despite Shapiro's overall high approval ratings, a Quinnipiac University poll found only 24% of Pennsylvania voters approve of his handling of data centers. His Republican challenger, State Treasurer Stacy Garrity, has also criticized Shapiro's initial pro-data center stance, despite her own mixed record on the issue. Local government leaders, like Kathie Doyle of Richland Township, highlight a lack of guidance and confusion surrounding data center proposals. The issue poses a significant challenge for Shapiro's reelection campaign and his potential future national political aspirations, with advocates warning it could jeopardize Democratic control in the state.