State creates website for feedback on Pa. data center development proposals
The Shapiro Administration in Pennsylvania has launched a new website for residents to provide feedback on data center development proposals, following the signing of Executive Order 2026-05. This order introduces strict standards for developers, including requirements for energy affordability and environmental protection, and gives local communities greater control over projects. The Governor's actions were influenced by extensive public concern regarding the increasing number of data center proposals.
Following the signing of Executive Order 2026-05, Pennsylvania's Shapiro Administration has unveiled a new website, pa.gov/YourVoiceOnDataCenters, to gather public feedback on proposed data center developments across the Commonwealth. This initiative, which also includes a new data center map, aims to give Pennsylvanians a direct channel to express their views on new proposals.
Governor Josh Shapiro emphasized that the executive order was a direct response to numerous comments, texts, calls, and letters from constituents concerned about the future of data center expansion. The order establishes rigorous Responsible Infrastructure Development (GRID) Requirements that developers must meet, covering energy affordability, community engagement, workforce development, transparency, and environmental protection. It also enhances the authority of local municipalities in development decisions and explicitly states that developers failing to meet these standards or secure local approval will not receive Commonwealth support.
Key provisions of Executive Order 2026-05 include the immediate removal of all data center projects from the PA Permit Fast Track Program, a ban on future data center projects from this program, and a prohibition on the use of non-disclosure agreements for any data center proposals in Pennsylvania. The new website allows residents to submit information about proposals, including their location, local community and leadership support, and adherence to the Governor's requirements for self-supplied power, community transparency, and high environmental protection standards. Governor Shapiro reiterated his commitment to respecting local community decisions.