Gov. Shapiro, GOP opponent Stacy Garrity on data centers
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Republican challenger State Treasurer Stacy Garrity discussed their approaches to data center development ahead of the November election. Shapiro said developers should provide their own power, protect air and water, secure local support, and include local labor and community benefits, while Garrity called for stakeholders to determine how long a pause may be needed to protect communities and ratepayers.
Gov. Josh Shapiro said Pennsylvania should require data center developers and technology companies to generate and pay for their own electricity, protect air and water, and obtain formal support from local communities before the state considers permits. He also advocated requirements for local labor and community benefits agreements.
Republican challenger and State Treasurer Stacy Garrity said local officials need time to update zoning and determine protections for ratepayers and communities. When asked how long a pause should last, Garrity declined to specify a duration, saying stakeholders could reach an agreement quickly; possible pauses of 90 days or six months were referenced during the discussion.