Pennsylvania governor signs order imposing new rules to set up AI data centers in state

Pennsylvania is implementing stricter regulations for the development of artificial intelligence data centers, aiming to balance technological growth with environmental protection and community interests. Governor Josh Shapiro signed an executive order Tuesday mandating that companies establishing AI data centers in the state adhere to rigorous environmental and transparency safeguards. Crucially, these projects will now require explicit local community approval, a significant shift from previous practices. The order also removes data centers from the state's expedited Fast Track permit program and prohibits any state agency under Shapiro's jurisdiction from entering into non-disclosure agreements with developers. Shapiro stated his intention to "block objectionable, unwarranted projects and put the nation's strictest set of protections in place." These measures are designed to prevent data center expansion from inflating utility costs and to safeguard residents' access to clean air and water. The move comes as Pennsylvania has become an attractive location for data centers, partly due to its natural gas resources, existing power infrastructure, and proximity to East Coast population centers. However, public opposition to the rapid proliferation of data centers has been growing nationwide, with a recent poll indicating that only a third of Americans approve of the pace of construction and a mere 14 percent support a data center in their own community. Amazon, for instance, announced a $20 billion investment in Pennsylvania last year, underscoring the state's appeal for such developments.

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I'm using the full weight of my executive authority to block the objectionable, unwarranted projects and put the nation's strictest set of protections in place.