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

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro signed an executive order Tuesday imposing significant restrictions on data center projects, stating he aims to stop "predatory" backers and "bad proposals from infecting our commonwealth." This decision marks a shift for Shapiro, a potential 2028 Democratic presidential contender. He declared he heard residents "loud and clear" while traveling across the state. The governor emphasized Pennsylvania "will not be bullied by these developers" and "will not be bulldozed by the lawyers." This follows his commitment to protecting the interests of Pennsylvanians.

Statewide, new rules will bring rigorous oversight for data center developments. Communities might experience less pressure from large-scale industrial projects that could potentially strain local resources or alter existing landscapes. This government action directly responds to public concerns, limiting potentially unwanted construction. Shapiro's tough new stance against the data center industry represents a complete reversal from his earlier efforts to actively attract these same projects to the state.