PA Governor Josh Shapiro proposed new standards for data centers in the state
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro proposed voluntary GRID standards for data centers, focusing on energy affordability, transparency, community engagement, workforce development, and environmental protection. These standards offer tax incentives and streamlined permitting for developers who provide their own electricity. Critics, however, argue the standards lack enforcement power and require legislative cooperation to be effective.
PA Governor Josh Shapiro unveiled new voluntary standards for data centers in the state, dubbed GRID (Governor's Responsible Infrastructure Development). These standards aim to promote energy affordability, transparency, community engagement, workforce development, and environmental protection. However, the proposal has drawn skepticism, with commentators like Pat Ryan and Michele Jansen from News Talk 103.7FM suggesting the standards "have no teeth" and will struggle to gain legislative approval due to partisan divisions.
Attorney Clint Barkdoll highlighted that the plan offers major tax incentives and streamlined permitting only if data center developers supply their own electricity, questioning how many would adopt this approach. The voluntary nature of the standards means they are not mandated, though tax incentives would require legislative action through the General Assembly.