ICYMI: Governor Shapiro Signs Executive Order Demanding Data Center Developers Comply with Strict Requirements and Blocking Speculative, Irresponsible Data Center Projects

“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.’” – Axios

“The new order said without proper controls, data center construction ‘could harm Pennsylvanians’ right to clean air and pure water because of their emissions, water use, and energy demand.’” – The Washington Post

“Repeatedly, [the Governor] credited his evolution on data centers to conversations he has had with concerned Pennsylvania residents, saying the ‘feedback I’ve gotten ... has shaped my perspective on this.’” – NBC News

Read the full Executive Order here.

August 19, 2026

Harrisburg, PA – Yesterday, Governor Josh Shapiro signed Executive Order 2026-05, directing Commonwealth agencies to require all data center proposals applying for permits with the Commonwealth to comply with the Governor's Responsible Infrastructure Development (GRID) Requirements, blocking speculative, irresponsible data center projects from moving forward, giving local communities more power over data center development, and protecting Pennsylvania residents. The Executive Order directs the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to evaluate permit applications from proposed data centers only if developers have made a legally binding commitment to meet the Governor’s GRID Requirements and have received local approval.

The Governor is also immediately removing all AI data center projects from the PA Permit Fast Track Program and will not consider data center projects for the program going forward. Further, the Executive Order implements new public transparency requirements for developers, and makes clear use of nondisclosure agreements with data center projects is not permissible.

This Executive Order lays out strict requirements that data center developers must meet regarding energy affordability, community engagement, workforce and economic development, transparency, and environmental protection – and gives local municipalities a greater say over development in their communities.

Here’s what Pennsylvanians are reading and watching about Governor Shapiro’s Executive Order on data center development:

CBS Mornings: Josh Shapiro talks implementing restrictions on data center development in Pennsylvania

MS NOW: PA Gov. Josh Shapiro on Regulating Data Centers

NBC News: Gov. Josh Shapiro takes a hard line against ‘predatory’ data center developers in Pennsylvania

The Washington Post: Pennsylvania will sharply limit data center development, expand review process

Business Insider: Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro Cracks Down on Data Centers, Says Speculators Are 'Scaring Our Communities'

Reuters: Pennsylvania governor signs order imposing new rules to set up AI data centers in state

Bloomberg: Pennsylvania Governor Shapiro Puts ‘Guardrails’ on Data Centers

Bloomberg Law: Shapiro Signs Order With Nation’s ‘Strictest’ Data Center Rules

Wall Street Journal: Pennsylvania Becomes Latest State to Restrict Data-Center Construction

CNN: Gov. Josh Shapiro announces new limits on data centers in Pennsylvania

The Hill: Shapiro Signs Order Restricting Data Centers in Pennsylvania