Governor Shapiro Enforces Data Center Regulations in PA

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro is taking decisive action against data centers, marking a significant shift in the state’s approach to these extensive facilities, critical for future AI development. His administration aims to curb aggressive tactics employed by developers, who have been reported to bully local officials and disregard community concerns.

During a press conference in Harrisburg, Shapiro outlined his administration’s concerns, stating that only five data centers currently possess the necessary permits to operate. “These speculators are nevertheless scaring our communities — being aggressive with township officials, bullying our neighbors, and refusing to listen to the people of Pennsylvania,” Shapiro remarked.

The implications of Shapiro’s announcement on Amazon’s planned $20 billion investment in data center campuses within Bucks and Luzerne counties remain uncertain. A representative for Amazon has not responded to inquiries regarding the new regulations.

Dan Diorio, executive vice president at the Data Center Coalition, which represents major developers like Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, and Google, expressed apprehension about how these regulations could impact ongoing projects. The nationwide backlash against data centers has led to similar actions from governors across the political spectrum. Notably, New York Governor Kathy Hochul enacted a statewide moratorium last month, setting a precedent for other states.

Shapiro’s order has immediate effects, removing data centers from the fast-track permitting process. Most importantly, it empowers local communities to effectively veto permits for any proposed data center project. He made it clear stating, “if the local community doesn’t approve a project, the state won’t approve it either.”

His stance on this issue has been influenced by local opposition, leading him to take matters into his own hands after the legislature failed to act. He also specifically called out developers seeking to construct over local baseball fields, anticipating the loss of community spaces. “That left field line where parents should gather to watch their kids play Little League,” he lamented. “Instead, that’s where the corner of one of those data centers was to be built.” Shapiro concluded with a message of reassurance to concerned residents, saying, “I want you to know I hear you.”