Josh Shapiro talks implementing restrictions on data center development in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has signed an executive order to implement widespread restrictions on data center development across the state. The order establishes what he describes as the "nation's strictest guardrails," which mandate comprehensive environmental reviews, energy and water reports, and requirements for developers to secure local community support and implement local benefits agreements. To ensure enforceability, these requirements must be formalized in a legally binding consent order with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Governor Shapiro explained that his decision marked a significant shift from his previous stance, where he had been bullish on data center development and helped secure a $20 billion investment from Amazon. He attributed this change to listening to concerns from residents, citing examples such as a proposed data center near a park in Lacawana County and another project in Montgomery County where developers were allegedly disregarding the community's wishes. He emphasized that he does not want speculative deals that cause