Our Opinion: Pass legislation to enforce data center ‘Fast Track’ deals
News ClipHazleton Standard Speaker·Hazle, PA·3/18/2026
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro is proposing a "Fast Track" program to incentivize data center developers to adhere to strict environmental and job creation guidelines, including the use of clean energy and local hiring. The Hazleton Standard Speaker argues that while this is a good idea, legislative action is ultimately necessary to ensure consistent enforcement of standards, rather than relying solely on executive orders, to protect water supplies and prevent energy price increases.
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Amazon
Gov: Gov. Josh Shapiro, Pennsylvania General Assembly, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Jessica Shirley
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro is advocating for a program to encourage data center developers to meet high environmental and economic standards, which he outlined as the Responsible Infrastructure Development (GRID) standards in his February budget address. These standards would prioritize clean energy use, local job creation, and community transparency.
In exchange for adhering to these guidelines, developers would gain access to the state's "Fast Track" program, which streamlines the permitting process for high-impact business and infrastructure projects. State Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Jessica Shirley recently confirmed that developers meeting these standards would qualify for the program. The article notes that four of the nine current Fast Track projects are in the region, including "Project Hazelnut" in Hazle Township and two related to a proposed Amazon project in Salem Township.
However, the Hazleton Standard Speaker's opinion piece argues that relying on an executive order for the Fast Track program makes its enforceability vulnerable to changing administrations. The publication contends that comprehensive legislation is the only way to consistently address concerns about water supply impacts, energy price surges, and environmental issues, ensuring developers are legally bound to follow through on their commitments rather than just a "handshake agreement." The editorial calls for the General Assembly to pass laws to create and enforce these standards.