Pennsylvania governor signs order imposing new rules to set up AI data centers in state
The order removes data centers from fast-track permitting and requires developers to pay power costs, limit water use and secure local approval.
- Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro signed Executive Order 2026-05, establishing new rules and guardrails for data center development across the state.
- The order directs the Department of Environmental Protection to process state permit applications only if developers sign legally binding commitments to meet the Governor's Responsible Infrastructure Development standards and obtain prior approval from local municipal governments.
- Under the new rules, developers must cover all electricity generation, grid transmission, and utility infrastructure costs required for their facilities to prevent increased energy bills for local residents and businesses.
- The executive order immediately excludes all artificial intelligence data center proposals from Pennsylvania's fast-track permitting program, prohibiting expedited state-level reviews for these projects.
- Data center developers are strictly barred from using non-disclosure agreements with local municipalities and are required to publicly report detailed energy and water consumption data.
44 Articles
44 Articles
Pennsylvania governor signs order imposing new rules to set up AI data centers in state
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro on Tuesday signed an executive order that would require companies setting up AI data centers in the state to meet environmental and transparency safeguards and secure local community approval for the projects.
Gov. Josh Shapiro takes a hard line against ‘predatory’ data center developers in Pennsylvania
Shapiro, a potential Democratic 2028 contender, earlier welcomed data center developments. His new executive order takes a starkly different tone toward the industry.
Gov. Josh Shapiro announces new limits on data centers in Pennsylvania
More governors are shifting their stances or taking steps to squeeze data centers as the midterm elections near and public opinion sours on the energy-hungry behemoths tech giants are building to fuel artificial intelligence products and cloud computing.
Shapiro’s Data Center Order is Too Little Too Late For Impacted Communities
Harrisburg, PA — Today, Governor Shapiro signed an executive order aimed at restricting data center development. While the announcement is a departure from his broad embrace of data center development, the executive order stops short of pausing development and instead provides pathways for developers. PA laws, as they exist, require local zoning approval for data centers and other projects. The governor’s order does not change or effect that. Ad…
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