Stacy Garrity holds listening session discussing concerns around data centers
Republican gubernatorial nominee Stacy Garrity is advocating for a pause on data center development in Pennsylvania, arguing that communities need time to update zoning regulations. This comes shortly after Governor Josh Shapiro introduced new state standards for data center developers, focusing on energy, environmental protection, and community engagement. Local leaders, like those in Wilkes-Barre Township, are struggling to create adequate zoning ordinances.
Republican gubernatorial nominee Stacy Garrity held a listening session in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, to discuss community concerns regarding data center development. She called for a temporary pause on new projects to allow local governments to update zoning regulations and adequately prepare for the impacts of large-scale data centers. Wilkes-Barre Township solicitor John Rogers expressed the challenge local governments face in quickly drafting robust zoning ordinances that can withstand legal challenges from major developers, noting the lack of state-level guidance.
This call for a pause follows Governor Josh Shapiro's recent unveiling of new grid standards for data center developers. These standards require companies seeking state incentives and expedited permitting to meet specific requirements related to energy production, environmental protections, community engagement, and economic investment. Garrity, while supporting economic development, emphasized the need for balance and sufficient time for communities to get zoning and infrastructure right, rather than a prolonged moratorium.
Manuel Bonder, a spokesperson for Shapiro for Pennsylvania, criticized Garrity, stating her record indicates support for unregulated data center development. Bonder asserted that Governor Shapiro has collaborated with community, labor, and environmental leaders to establish what he claims are some of the country's strongest data center regulations and accountability standards.