Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro issued an executive order tightening the rules on data center development. It included removing data centers from the state's fast-track permitting process and requiring local government approval before the Department of Environmental Protection permits a project.
Local residents and officials near existing and proposed data centers praised the decision, according to The Citizens' Voice. But some data center opponents are skeptical that Shapiro's decision could just be politically motivated.
Here's what to know
Under the executive order, state agencies will now apply Pennsylvania's Governor's Responsible Infrastructure Development standards to data center projects seeking permits, as The Citizens' Voice reported.
The stakes are especially high because data centers can require enormous amounts of energy. In Pennsylvania, that has implications for land use and water consumption as well as the electric grid. Rising demand can drive higher capacity costs that may eventually show up in household utility bills.
The Citizens' Voice reported that some opponents of data centers are concerned that Shapiro only made the decision "to get votes."
Karla Puterbaugh, a Salem Township resident, told the outlet that her understanding of GRID standards is that they "are basically written by the data center developers." While the rules look tough on paper, they actually don't change much of the control data centers have.
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Supporters of data center expansion also seem to be cautious about the decision. Some worry that stricter rules will create confusion for companies already moving through the process.
What's being done?
One aim of the order is to make speculative proposals harder to advance by requiring developers to offer more concrete details earlier. Firmer standards around issues like building size, water use, and generator needs could reduce the uncertainty that has fueled local backlash.
The industry said it agrees with Shapiro's goals and warns against disrupting projects that are already in the pipeline. The Data Center Coalition urged the state not to change the rules "midstream" for projects that are already verified.
The debate may come down to whether Pennsylvania can welcome new digital infrastructure without overwhelming the communities asked to host it.
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