Pa. Gov. Josh Shapiro to sign executive order on data centers, source says
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro is set to sign an executive order concerning data centers during a press conference in Harrisburg. This action follows the release of his Responsible Infrastructure Development (GRID) Standards in May, which established clear guidelines for data center development in the state. The move comes amidst community concerns regarding electricity costs, grid strain, and environmental impact associated with data center growth.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro is scheduled to sign an executive order regarding data centers at a press conference in Harrisburg on Tuesday, August 18. While specific details of the order remain undisclosed, a source confirmed the upcoming signing to NBC10. This action follows Governor Shapiro's release of the Responsible Infrastructure Development (GRID) Standards in May, which outlined "guardrails and accountability measures" for data center development across Pennsylvania.
The GRID Standards focused on protecting energy affordability, promoting transparency and community engagement, supporting workforce and economic development, and strengthening environmental protection. The initiative responds to growing community backlash against proposed data centers, fueled by concerns over rising electricity costs, strain on electric grids due to AI industry growth, and environmental impact, affecting areas in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Neighboring New Jersey has also seen similar governmental action, with Governor Mikie Sherrill unveiling a four-part plan in May to regulate data centers. Her plan emphasizes that data centers should "pay their own way," maintain transparency, invest in local communities, and create sustainable jobs, following her declaration of a state of emergency on utility costs earlier in the year.