Pennsylvania governor signs order restricting data center development
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro signed an executive order to restrict data center development across the state. The order mandates developers to be transparent, obtain local community approval, hire locally, and cover all electricity costs. This initiative aims to establish stricter regulations for the industry in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro recently signed an executive order aimed at regulating artificial intelligence (AI) data center development throughout the state. The order, which Governor Shapiro described as establishing the nation's strictest safeguards, mandates that developers engage transparently with local communities and protect consumers by assuming all electricity costs.
The Governor emphasized the importance of developers respecting local communities and collaborating with them, stating that the order "levels the playing field" and prioritizes the public over powerful developers. Furthermore, the new regulations stipulate that local communities must approve any data center project before construction can commence, and developers are required to hire locally.
This significant policy move by Governor Shapiro, who is considered a potential Democratic presidential candidate in 2028, comes amid a backdrop of growing controversy surrounding AI data centers in Pennsylvania.