Pennsylvania Gubernatorial Campaign Debate Includes Data Center Development Policy
The 2026 Pennsylvania gubernatorial campaign is addressing data center development and broadband policy. Gov. Josh Shapiro issued an executive order directing the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to review data center permit applications only after developers make legally binding commitments to meet the state's infrastructure requirements and obtain local approval.
Data center development has emerged as an issue in Pennsylvania's 2026 gubernatorial campaign. The article notes that Gov. Josh Shapiro's administration is tying state environmental permit reviews to developers' commitments under the Governor's Responsible Infrastructure Development requirements and to approval from local governments.
The policy was established through an executive order signed by Shapiro. The article presents the measure as part of the broader policy debate involving Shapiro and Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity, who are associated with the gubernatorial campaign.