New state data center map has critics as state ranks 4th in nation in facilities
Pennsylvania launched a statewide Data Center Permit Tracker to map facilities and projects amid a rapid data center boom. Critics said the tracker is incomplete or difficult to use, while raising concerns about pollution, water consumption and power generation; Gov. Josh Shapiro also issued an executive order establishing data center standards.
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection launched the state's first online Data Center Permit Tracker on Aug. 18, identifying 73 confirmed or unconfirmed data centers. Other public and private mapping efforts show substantially different totals, with Cleanview ranking Pennsylvania fourth nationally based on its count of data center buildings that are operating, under construction or planned.
The tracker comes as public opposition to data centers grows and the industry becomes an issue in state politics. Gov. Josh Shapiro, previously supportive of data center and artificial intelligence development, shifted his rhetoric and issued an executive order establishing standards for data centers. Advocacy groups including Food & Water Watch, PennEnvironment, the Better Path Coalition and Green Amendments for the Generations criticized the state's map as incomplete or inaccessible and called for more information about pollution, water use and backup generators.