Shapiro: Data Center Speculators Are ‘Bullying’ PA Communities
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro criticized data center speculators for "bullying" communities with over 100 speculative proposals, citing Archbald in Lackawanna County as an example where six data center campuses are proposed. He stated that this behavior fundamentally changes the character of communities, and he signed an executive order to give local communities more power over data center development.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro addressed the issue of data center development, asserting that he would prevent the industry from "running roughshod over our communities." The Governor highlighted that more than 100 data center proposals in Pennsylvania are "completely speculative," and he accused some developers of "bullying" local communities and threatening to "fundamentally change" their character.
He specifically referenced a visit to Archbald in Lackawanna County, where he listened to residents' concerns about six proposed data center campuses, comprising about 51 giant warehouses, within a borough of 7,500 people. He described how one such data center was planned for the corner of Eddie Stabeck Park's left field line, a place where parents watch their children play Little League. Governor Shapiro emphasized that Archbald is one of many communities facing similar challenges across the state. The Governor signed an executive order related to AI and data centers, aimed at empowering local communities with more control over such developments.