Pennsylvania dangles permitting carrot for data centers that bring their own power
Under a new permitting framework for loads over 25 MW, applicants that commit to abide by the state’s recently introduced infrastructure development standards for data centers will receive preferential treatment.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has issued a stern warning to data center developers, accusing them of scaring and bullying local communities with incomplete proposals. Shapiro, who sees this as a threat to the character of the state, stated that only five data centers have the necessary permits to begin operations. He emphasized that speculators are creating aggressive pressure on township officials and refusing to listen to the people of Pennsylvania.
The governor's announcement comes as both parties in the US are seeking to rein in incentives for data center development, following public dissent across the country. New York Governor Kathy Hochul recently imposed a statewide moratorium. Shapiro's order immediately removes data centers from fast-track permitting and grants local communities an effective veto over a project's permits.
He criticized a proposal that plans to build atop local baseball fields, calling it an example of the inappropriate locations being targeted.
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