"Shapiro puts new guardrails on Pa. data centers" 18 August 2026

Gov. Josh Shapiro signed an executive order Tuesday tightening the rules for data center development in Pennsylvania, a move he said imposes the “strictest guardrails in the nation.”..

...The order removes all data center projects from the state’s fast-track permitting program and makes future data center projects ineligible for the program. It also requires developers to sign agreements enforcing GRID requirements, including a range of water, land and energy use guidelines. The Department of Environmental Protection will stall permits of those who refuse until they get local approval...

...It bars state agencies from signing nondisclosure agreements related to data center projects and requires developers to offer municipalities community benefits agreements and hire and train local workers...

...Shapiro’s order doesn’t pause new data center development outright, but the administration says the stricter standards will make it difficult for most developers to qualify for new projects...