Erie Officials Weigh in on Shapiros Data Center Order
Erie County officials are discussing regulations for data centers after Governor Shapiro issued an executive order aimed at blocking irresponsible data center projects. The executive order directs the DEP to review permits from developers committed to specific grid and environmental requirements. Erie County is set to vote on its own local data center requirements on August 25th.
Erie County Council recently held a public hearing to discuss regulating data centers following an executive order from Pennsylvania Governor Shapiro. Governor Shapiro's order aims to block irresponsible data center projects by directing the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to only review permit applications from developers who meet specific responsible infrastructure development or grid requirements, covering energy affordability, environmental health, economic development, and transparency.
Erie County officials, including an unnamed official quoted in the report, acknowledged some good provisions in the Governor's order but felt it shifted too much responsibility to the DEP and Pennsylvania Utility Commission without strong enough enforcement. Another official viewed it as a strong position to protect communities, pending DEP implementation.
Local officials emphasized the critical need for local regulations to safeguard residents, stating that without specific rules, data centers could be built anywhere. They urged municipalities to enhance their regulatory frameworks. Erie County is scheduled to vote on new requirements for data centers on August 25th, and the Governor's order also mandates local approval before state permit applications can be reviewed by the EPA (implied PA DEP).