Pennsylvania Governor Issues Executive Order on Data Center Development, Launches Feedback Website
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro's administration has launched a new website for residents to provide feedback on data center proposals, following an executive order. This order establishes strict standards for developers on energy, community engagement, and environmental protection. It also removes data centers from the state's Permit Fast Track Program and bans non-disclosure agreements, giving local communities more influence over development.
Governor Josh Shapiro's administration in Pennsylvania has taken significant steps to regulate data center development across the commonwealth, following extensive community feedback regarding numerous project proposals. Shapiro signed Executive Order 2026-05, which establishes stringent requirements for developers concerning energy affordability, community engagement, workforce development, transparency, and environmental protection.
The executive order also immediately removes all data center projects from the PA Permit Fast Track Program, prohibits their future consideration for the program, and bans the use of non-disclosure agreements for any proposed data centers in the state. Concurrently, the administration launched a new website, pa.gov/YourVoiceOnDataCenters, enabling Pennsylvanians to provide feedback on new data center proposals directly, including their location and adherence to the Governor's Responsible Infrastructure Development (GRID) Requirements. This initiative aims to give local communities a greater voice in development decisions and ensure developers who fail to meet these standards or local approval do not receive commonwealth support.