Where Shapiro and Garrity stand on Pennsylvania data centers
Pennsylvania's gubernatorial candidates, Josh Shapiro and Stacy Garrity, hold differing stances on data center regulation amid rising public concern. Shapiro favors voluntary standards for incentives, while Garrity advocates for mandatory rules and a development pause. The state legislature is also actively considering various bills to regulate the industry and adjust tax exemptions.
Pennsylvania's gubernatorial candidates, incumbent Gov. Josh Shapiro and Republican Stacy Garrity, are taking distinct, albeit evolving, positions on data center development amidst increasing public frustration over their impact on energy prices, water availability, and property values across the state.
Gov. Shapiro, initially a proponent of data center investment, has tempered his enthusiasm, now proposing voluntary environmental, workforce development, and energy standards in exchange for economic incentives and fast-tracked permitting. His "GRID" proposal includes requirements for clean energy usage and community benefits agreements, but these would be voluntary and require legislative approval. He previously championed a $20 billion Amazon Web Services investment in the state.
Garrity, currently the state treasurer, criticizes Shapiro's voluntary approach and advocates for mandatory regulations that are not tied to climate goals. She supports a "pause" on data center development to allow townships to update zoning requirements and address emergency service needs, though she opposes lengthy moratoriums. Garrity also calls for the repeal of sales tax exemptions for data centers and suggests locating new facilities in brownfields or industrial sites.
Both the state House and Senate have passed bills to repeal sales tax exemptions for data centers, though neither bill has passed both chambers to become law. The House has also passed several other bills aimed at increasing regulation, including mandating disclosure of energy and water usage and establishing baseline requirements for utility contracts, as well as a bill allowing temporary local moratoriums. These legislative efforts signify a strong push for greater oversight of data center development in Pennsylvania.