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Pennsylvania restricts new data center projects with local approvals

An executive order also removes data centers from the governor’s Fast Track program and requires operators to pay for their own power and meet water use standards.

Reported · Written up by our desk · Industry

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro has signed an executive order that adds new approval requirements for data center projects, requiring any new developments to first receive sign off from local authorities to obtain state government approval.

While the policy is not a moratorium, it is designed to slow or block some projects amid rising opposition from residents and local officials, which the governor said has been fueled by what he called speculative proposals that do not account for community impacts.

The order also eliminates data centers from Pennsylvania’s Fast Track program, which was intended to cut red tape for businesses, and it adds new cost and compliance requirements for operators, including paying for their own power and meeting water use standards.

Shapiro’s office counted 100-plus data center projects across the state in various stages of development, and the measure is positioned as stricter oversight amid political pressure as he seeks reelection this year, according to Bisnow.

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