Business & Finance
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro criticizes AI data center developers over community impact
The governor defended strict new state requirements as data center construction becomes a key issue in upcoming elections.
The short version
- Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro stated that many AI data center developers disregard local communities and defended his recent executive order imposing strict development conditions.
- The rules mandate that developers secure community support, generate and pay for their own electricity, and safeguard local water and air quality before receiving state permits.
- The rapid expansion of energy-intensive AI infrastructure has become a contentious political issue across state and national campaigns.
- Republican gubernatorial challenger Stacy Garrity pledged to halt data center construction if elected, dismissing the governor's order as damage control.
Key facts
- Gov. Josh Shapiro stated on CNBC that too many AI data center developers attempt to run roughshod over communities rather than operating as partners.[CNBC]
- On Aug. 18, Shapiro signed an executive order removing AI data centers from fast-track approvals and requiring developers to earn local support, supply their own power, and protect water and air quality.[CNBC]
- President Donald Trump remarked that communities opposing AI data centers risk ending up backwards and poor.[CNBC]
- Republican gubernatorial nominee Stacy Garrity criticized Shapiro's executive order and announced she would pause data center construction in the state if elected.[CNBC]
- A May Gallup poll found that 70% of Americans oppose constructing AI data centers in their local communities.[CNBC]
What remains uncertain
- The long-term impact of Pennsylvania's new standards on tech industry investment and project timelines remains unclear.[CNBC]