Data centers will need local approval before Pennsylvania grants them state permits, Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro announced Tuesday.<\/p>\n
The potential White House contender signed an executive order that ties data center permits to a regulatory framework he previewed earlier this year \u2014 as well as some new, tougher provisions, including a prohibition on nondisclosure agreements and no eligibility for fast-track permits.<\/p>\n
Shapiro stopped short of a statewide data center moratorium, which has been implemented in neighboring New York and has been called for by his Republican gubernatorial opponent, state Treasurer Stacy Garrity. But his order will effectively halt any new development that faces opposition from local officials.<\/p>\n
The new order illustrated Shapiro\u2019s evolution from data center cheerleader into a vocal skeptic.<\/p>\n
\u201cI will not allow Pennsylvanians to be bullied by greedy developers and bulldozed by the lawyers working for these big tech companies,\u201d Shapiro wrote on social media.<\/p>\n
Before state agencies begin permit reviews, Shapiro\u2019s directive requires data centers with a peak load of at least 25 megawatts to sign a consent order outlining key details about their power demand, development plans and investment commitments.<\/p>\n
The order also calls for utilities to cut power to data centers first in case of a grid emergency and for data centers to shoulder all the costs of their electricity service.<\/p>\n
The Data Center Coalition, the industry\u2019s main trade group, released a statement saying it shares Shapiro\u2019s goals to ensure the state benefits economically from data centers while protecting residents.<\/p>\n
But \u201cin distinguishing speculative proposals from real projects, it\u2019s important that rules are not changed midstream impacting ongoing investment in verified and responsible data center projects. Companies have made plans, communities have prepared for economic opportunities, and workers are ready to build the next generation of digital infrastructure,\u201d said Dan Diorio, executive vice president of state policy and government affairs at the coalition.<\/p>\n
Pennsylvania is in one of the fastest-growing data center regions, adding 2.4 gigawatts of new capacity between March 2024 and March 2025, according to research firm BloombergNEF.<\/p>\n