Data Center Development Becomes Key Issue in Pennsylvania Midterm Elections
Pennsylvania's midterm elections are heavily influenced by data center development, as politicians statewide make it a central campaign issue amidst public backlash. Governor Josh Shapiro signed an executive order requiring local approval and adherence to new environmental and transparency standards for data center permits. His gubernatorial opponent, Stacy Garrity, and other legislative candidates are advocating for a moratorium on development and stricter regulations, citing concerns over utility prices and local control.
Data center development has become a central campaign issue for Pennsylvania politicians heading into the November midterm elections, with over 120 proposed facilities across the commonwealth drawing significant public backlash.
Incumbent Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro recently reversed his previous stance, signing an executive order in Harrisburg that mandates local approval before the Department of Environmental Protection reviews data center permit applications. The order also dictates that the state will slow-walk projects failing to meet binding energy, environment, and transparency standards. Shapiro stated this action was taken to heed public voices, empower local leaders, and clarify business regulations in Pennsylvania. His opponent, Republican State Treasurer Stacy Garrity, has gone further, advocating for a temporary moratorium on all data center development and criticizing Shapiro's past support for the industry.
The issue is also prominent in at least 20 competitive state House and Senate races. Some candidates entirely oppose data center development, while others propose implementing guardrails or have hosted public listening sessions. State Senator Rosemary Brown (R., Montgomery) plans to introduce legislation requiring third-party water use evaluations and prohibiting residential rezoning for data centers, and has expressed support for a moratorium. Democrat Brian Wrightson, challenging Brown in the 40th Senate District, advocates for a statewide ban, questioning the economic demand and potential emergency management challenges. Campaign ads in these races often accuse opponents of being influenced by "data center insiders" through campaign contributions.
Recent polling from Quinnipiac University indicates that nearly three-quarters of Pennsylvania voters oppose an AI data center in their community, and only 24% approve of Governor Shapiro's handling of the issue. Political scientist Chris Borick of Lehigh University noted the meteoric rise of data centers as a salient issue, affecting local communities, utility prices, and combining various voter concerns. He emphasized its potential impact on tightly contested races.