In a major shift, Gov. Josh Shapiro restricts data center development in Pennsylvania

posted by Kristi Wachter on August 27, 2026

Resistance is

The far-reaching order does not include a moratorium on data center development. However, it requires local approval to receive state permits, which in effect may block many from moving forward.

The Philadelphia Inquirer Gillian McGoldrick August 18, 2026

Excerpt:

Gov. Josh Shapiro signed a sweeping executive order on Tuesday dramatically restricting data center development in Pennsylvania, marking a major shift from his initial embrace of the increasingly unpopular projects.

Shapiro, a first-term Democrat running for reelection and a rumored 2028 presidential contender, had been an early champion of data center development in the state, including a $20 billion commitment from Amazon to build at least two data centers in Bucks and Luzerne Counties.

Now he is taking a hard-line stance against the burgeoning data center industry he once courted, as proposed projects draw increasing bipartisan backlash across Pennsylvania.

Read the whole thing:

In a major shift, Gov. Josh Shapiro restricts data center development in Pennsylvania

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Extra Extra 8/16/2026

posted by Kristi Wachter on August 27, 2026

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