Gov. Josh Shapiro signed a sweeping executive order on Aug. 18 dramatically restricting data center development in Pennsylvania. The move is a major reversal from his earlier championing of the industry, with Shapiro noting that some data center projects would “negatively impact our communities.” The executive order removes all projects from fast-track permitting, requires local approval and legally binding transparency/environmental commitments, bans state nondisclosure agreements on such projects, mandates developers bring their own power and fund community-benefit agreements, and directs public disclosure of permitting data. The move comes as data centers have grown deeply unpopular (76% of Pennsylvania voters oppose one in their community, per a June Quinnipiac poll) and as Shapiro faces reelection. It has drawn praise from local officials and environmental groups but criticism from the Data Center Coalition, his GOP rival Stacy Garrity, and activists who say the order still doesn't go far enough without a full moratorium.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 8/18/2026