Shapiro Imposes New Conditions on Pennsylvania Data Center Development Amid Local Opposition
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro issued an executive order removing data centers from the state’s fast-track permitting program and imposing requirements for energy costs, clean power, disclosure, workforce plans, and water and electricity use. The article highlights local opposition that helped block NorthPoint’s Project Hazelnut in Hazle Township and argues that giving communities greater control may be necessary for future developments to gain acceptance.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro has shifted from actively promoting data center investment to imposing stricter conditions on development. His executive order removes data centers from the state’s fast-track permitting program and establishes GRID requirements covering developers’ energy costs, grid upgrades, clean energy, project and end-user disclosure, local hiring, and limits on water and electricity use. The policy also gives local communities greater influence over whether projects proceed.
The article focuses on opposition to NorthPoint’s Project Hazelnut in Luzerne County, where the local group Stop the Line reportedly helped persuade the county council to block the project. Residents cited concerns about property values, energy prices, environmental and health impacts, limited permanent employment, and secrecy surrounding Amazon Web Services as the project’s ultimate beneficiary. The article argues that Shapiro has not abandoned data center development but is attempting to make it more accountable and connected to local economic benefits.