CENTER TO BE BUILT THERE THAT WAS APPROVED LAST YEAR ON A COUNTY LEVEL. GOVERNOR JOSH SHAPIRO WAS LAYING OUT WHAT HE’S CALLING HIS GOVERNOR’S RESPONSIBLE INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT GRID FOR SHORT THERE. HIS ADMINISTRATION’S NEW SET OF STANDARDS FOR ANY FUTURE DATA CENTER SEEKING STATE SUPPORT. THE STANDARDS WOULD REQUIRE DEVELOPERS TO SHOW THAT THEY CAN MEET ENERGY NEEDS WITHOUT RAISING UTILITY COSTS, INCREASE RENEWABLE ENERGY USE, LIMIT ENVIRONMENTAL HARM, ENGAGE COMMUNITIES AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE, AND DISCLOSE ANY LOCAL IMPACTS AHEAD OF TIME. CREATE JOBS AND INVEST AT LEAST $250 MILLION PROJECTS. MEETING THE STANDARDS WOULD MAKE THEM ELIGIBLE FOR THE STATE’S PERMIT FAST TRACK PROGRAM AND CERTAIN TAX BREAKS. THE GOVERNOR SAYS THE PLAN IS MEANT TO PROTECT CONSUMERS, COMMUNITIES AND THE ENVIRONMENT WHILE ENSURING THAT DATA CENTER DEVELOPMENT
Pennsylvania governor introduces new standards for data center projects
Updated: 5:36 PM EDT May 27, 2026
Gov. Josh Shapiro announced new standards for data centers seeking state support, calling the initiative the Governor’s Responsible Infrastructure Development, or GRID. The standards require developers to show:They can meet energy needs without raising utility costs.Increase renewable energy use.Limit environmental harm.Engage communities as early as possible.Disclose any local impacts ahead of time.Create jobs.Invest at least $250 million. Projects meeting these standards would be eligible for the state’s permit fast-track program and certain tax breaks. Shapiro said the plan is intended to protect consumers, communities, and the environment while ensuring data center development benefits Pennsylvanians. He added that he plans to work with the General Assembly to implement these rules statewide.
Gov. Josh Shapiro announced new standards for data centers seeking state support, calling the initiative the Governor’s Responsible Infrastructure Development, or GRID.
The standards require developers to show:
They can meet energy needs without raising utility costs.Increase renewable energy use.Limit environmental harm.Engage communities as early as possible.Disclose any local impacts ahead of time.Create jobs.Invest at least $250 million.
Projects meeting these standards would be eligible for the state’s permit fast-track program and certain tax breaks.
Shapiro said the plan is intended to protect consumers, communities, and the environment while ensuring data center development benefits Pennsylvanians.
He added that he plans to work with the General Assembly to implement these rules statewide.