Data center activity in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania's regulatory environment reflects a large, active, and contentious market where zoning denials significantly outpace approvals, with at least 73 denials compared to 47 approvals. At least 70 moratoriums have been enacted alongside 20 rejected, and at least 30 projects have been blocked by opposition versus 16 approved despite pushback. Unlike neighboring West Virginia, where regulatory friction is minimal, Pennsylvania's dense population and established communities create consistent resistance to data center siting. Despite these challenges, the state boasts 252 active companies, the second-highest count nationally, and nearly 2,750 media clips, reflecting enormous market interest driven by proximity to major metro areas and robust power infrastructure.
Pennsylvania's regulatory environment reflects a large, active, and contentious market where zoning denials significantly outpace approvals, with at least 73 denials compared to 47 approvals. At least 70 moratoriums have been enacted alongside 20 rejected, and at least 30 projects have been blocked by opposition versus 16 approved despite pushback. Unlike neighboring West Virginia, where regulatory friction is minimal, Pennsylvania's dense population and established communities create consistent resistance to data center siting. Despite these challenges, the state boasts 252 active companies, the second-highest count nationally, and nearly 2,750 media clips, reflecting enormous market interest driven by proximity to major metro areas and robust power infrastructure.
How is this scored?The article reports on significant property sales in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. Notably, one of these transactions involves a $45 million site acquired for a future data center development.
Massive data center equipment deliveries, involving over 50 trucks, will cause significant traffic delays across multiple counties in Pennsylvania from September to January. The deliveries, coordinated with PennDOT, are destined for a new power plant and data center in Homer City, Indiana County, impacting major roadways like Route 66 and US22.
The Shippingport council is set to vote on the phase two plan for a large data center campus. This vote signifies a critical step in the development of the massive facility.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro signed Executive Order 2026-05, establishing new Responsible Infrastructure Development (GRID) Requirements for data center proposals. The order mandates local approval and adherence to environmental standards as preconditions for state permits and sales tax exemptions. This aims to empower local communities and curb speculative data center developments across the state.
Pennsylvania has introduced new grid requirements for large data center projects. These rules mandate that developers cover the full cost of electricity infrastructure needed for their facilities, preventing costs from being passed to households and small businesses. The policy, introduced by Governor Josh Shapiro, also includes energy, environmental, and community requirements for data center developments.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has issued an executive order establishing new requirements for data center developers concerning energy, community engagement, and environmental protections. The order also removes data center projects from a fast-track permit process and bans non-disclosure agreements. A former state cabinet secretary suggests the order could face legal challenges regarding the governor's authority.
Nearly half of the Pennsylvania municipalities involved in the state's 'fast track' data center program signed non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) with developers, raising concerns about public access to information. Governor Josh Shapiro initially supported the fast-track program but later issued an executive order prohibiting NDAs for data center projects under state agency jurisdiction. A U.S. Senator has also launched a national investigation into the use of NDAs by data center companies.
A conditional use hearing regarding plans to build seven data centers in Hanover Township, Pennsylvania, drew a large crowd. Both supporters and opponents debated the project for several hours, raising concerns about job creation versus potential environmental impacts such as noise, light, air, and water pollution.
The Lower Lackawanna Valley Citizens Alliance and residents expressed significant concerns about the proposed Old Forge Pumped Storage Project, a hydroelectric power plant, citing environmental and health risks. The group believes the plant, which would use acid mine drainage and incorporate a natural gas generator, is designed to serve an undisclosed data center. Residents fear eminent domain and the destruction of natural resources as a precursor to data center development in their area.
Kenneth Broadbent, business manager of Steamfitters Local 449, argues that data centers are creating significant job opportunities for skilled union labor in Pennsylvania, leveraging the state's natural gas resources and trained workforce. He emphasizes the economic benefits and the need for state legislators to act to position Pennsylvania as a leader in data center development amidst global competition. Construction is underway at the former Homer City Generating Station.
Pennsylvania's governor has signed an executive order establishing new rules for data center development within the state. The article, part of NBC10 Philadelphia's 'At Issue' segment, discusses the implications of these new statewide regulations.
AI data center growth is driving up rural land prices and sparking a backlash across the U.S., with communities concerned about environmental impacts, strain on infrastructure, and loss of farmland. This has led to protests and political actions, including a moratorium in New York and local opposition to projects like CoreWeave's in Pennsylvania and Oracle/OpenAI's in Michigan.
A leader from a Pennsylvania building trades union discusses data center projects within the state. The article provides general commentary on data center development from a labor perspective.
Birmingham Township supervisors are considering a new ordinance on September 8th to regulate data centers in two commercial zoning districts. The proposed conditional-use rules would impose restrictions on noise, water consumption, power generation, setbacks, and emergency planning. This initiative aims to establish a local regulatory framework for data centers, as the current zoning ordinance lacks definitions or designated districts for such facilities.
A Pennsylvania township has scheduled a public hearing to discuss a controversial data center development proposal. The planned data center is located near the Delaware Water Gap and is facing local contention. The hearing indicates active local government review and public engagement regarding the project.
Pennsylvania state regulators have released new projections regarding the electricity demands of data centers within the state. These projections aim to forecast the power needs of data centers by the year 2030, addressing concerns about future energy consumption.
The Valley View School Board decided to continue its costly litigation against hyperscale data center and power plant developments in Lackawanna County, despite budget concerns. This decision highlights a regional fight in Northeastern Pennsylvania against numerous proposed data centers, including Cornell Realty Management's Wildcat Ridge project in Archbald. Local residents and officials are advocating for a united front, raising concerns about environmental impacts and potential conflicts of interest among legal representatives.
PPL Electric Utilities was nationally recognized by Site Selection magazine for its economic development contributions in eastern and central Pennsylvania. The utility's efforts supported numerous projects, including the connection of Amazon's hyperscale data center campus in Salem Township to its transmission system. This recognition highlights PPL's investments in infrastructure and reliable electric service.
Construction deliveries for a new power plant and data center in Homer City, Pennsylvania, are expected to cause significant traffic impacts on Westmoreland County roads. Over 50 slow-moving trucks will be transporting large components, affecting police, fire, and school bus operations over the next couple of months.
Pennsylvania State Representative Christina Sappey is proposing a bill and resolution to address data center decommissioning. The legislation aims to require data centers to submit detailed decommissioning plans, including financial aspects, before construction or permitting to protect taxpayers and local communities from potential costs and environmental impacts.