Shapiro signs order for data center compliance
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro signed an executive order establishing new requirements for data center developers. This order reestablishes the Governor’s Responsible Infrastructure Development (GRID) Requirements, setting environmental, community, and economic guidelines. It also removes data center projects from the PA Permit Fast Track Program and prohibits future consideration for the program.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro signed an executive order on Tuesday, implementing new requirements for data center developers across the state. The order effectively ends data centers' participation in the PA Permit Fast Track Program.
Key to the executive order is the reestablishment of the Governor’s Responsible Infrastructure Development (GRID) Requirements. These standards mandate that developers secure more certifications and adhere to specific environmental, community, and economic guidelines. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will refuse to evaluate any data center proposal that does not comply with the GRID requirements.
In addition to removing data center projects from the fast-track program, the order also explicitly prohibits any future consideration of such projects for expedited permitting. A Data Center Permit Tracker was also announced, allowing Pennsylvania residents to monitor proposed data center projects in their vicinity.