Pennsylvania gubernatorial candidate Stacy Garrity on data centers, calls for construction pause

Pennsylvania's Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro has taken a strong stance on data centre developers, demanding more accountability from the industry. In an executive order, Shapiro has imposed stricter restrictions on data centre developers, requiring them to obtain local approval, generate and pay for their own power, and commit to transparency in their communities.

The governor believes that Pennsylvanians have the right to say no to unwanted AI data centre projects and block developers who are attempting to bully their way into neighborhoods without addressing community concerns.

Shapiro has described data centre developers as "predators," "bullies," and "secretive" in recent remarks. He emphasized that the state will only allow data centres to operate if they adhere to the strictest standards in the nation and receive approval from the local community. During an interview with MeidasTouch, Shapiro called some data centre developers "predatory and sneaky," citing their lack of regard for community concerns and their failure to have a clear end user or plans for generating electricity.

The governor's actions come as concerns about the proliferation of data centres in the United States grow. These concerns have been fueled by the belief that the surge in data centres is contributing to surging electricity prices, noise pollution, and environmental damage. Recently, a poll conducted by Gallup revealed that seven in ten Americans are against data centres being built near their homes.

Shapiro's recent endorsement of Microsoft's power purchase agreement with Constellation Energy, which involves restarting a closed nuclear reactor in Pennsylvania, demonstrates his unwavering position on the matter. Despite concerns about the safety of restarting a closed nuclear plant, Shapiro does not plan to change his stance. He is also attuned to the concerns of voters, not just in Pennsylvania but across the United States, where worries about data centres have been increasing.