Data Center Proposals Become Issue in Pennsylvania Governor's Race
Data center proposals have become a major issue in Pennsylvania's gubernatorial race, with candidates Josh Shapiro and Stacy Garrity offering different approaches to regulation. Residents and local officials in Elizabeth Township and other Western Pennsylvania communities are seeking more zoning control, transparency, and protections for power, air and water resources.
More than a dozen data center sites have been proposed or explored in Western Pennsylvania, while state officials say they are aware of at least 100 proposals statewide. Gov. Josh Shapiro's executive order requires developers to address power generation, environmental protections and local community support before the state reviews permit applications.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Stacy Garrity has called for a temporary pause on data center development to give municipalities time to update their zoning rules. The issue is also shaping local races, including a contest involving state Rep. Andrew Kuzma in Elizabeth Township, where a proposed data center has drawn significant public attention. Altamira called for greater transparency in the township's development plans, while residents said they were still weighing which candidates would provide the better outcome for their communities.