The Governor of Pennsylvania has introduced new requirements for AI data centers
On August 18, Josh Shapiro, governor of the U.S. state of Pennsylvania, signed an executive order establishing new requirements for companies planning to build data centers for artificial intelligence. They must comply with environmental safeguards and transparency requirements, as well as obtain approval from local communities for their projects.
The executive order took effect immediately. It excludes all data centers from the state’s Fast Track program for expedited permitting. In addition, offices and agencies under the governor’s authority are prohibited from signing non-disclosure agreements with data center developers.
Shapiro stated that he is using his executive authority to block unacceptable and unjustified projects and to implement strict safeguards. According to him, these steps are intended to prevent utility bills from rising due to data centers and to protect Pennsylvania residents’ right to clean air and water.
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Pennsylvania has become an attractive location for data center construction thanks to significant natural gas reserves in the Marcellus Shale Formation, existing energy infrastructure, and proximity to major population centers on the U.S. East Coast. Last year, Amazon announced plans to invest $20 billion in the state.
At the same time, opposition to the rapid expansion of data centers in the U.S. is growing. According to a Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted in June, one-third of Americans approved of the pace of such construction, while 14% of respondents supported the establishment of a data center in their own community.
