Pennsylvania is introducing stricter requirements for AI data centre development as Governor Josh Shapiro moves to address environmental, transparency and community concerns surrounding the rapid expansion of the sector.
Shapiro signed an executive order requiring companies planning AI data centres in the state to meet environmental and transparency safeguards and obtain local community approval for their projects.
Pennsylvania has attracted data centre investment because of its natural gas resources from the Marcellus shale basin, existing power infrastructure and access to major population centres along the US East Coast.
However, opposition to the rapid growth of data centres has increased across the US. A June poll found that only 1 in 3 Americans supported the pace of data centre construction, while just 14% backed having a new data centre built in their own community.
The order takes effect immediately and removes all data centres from Pennsylvania’s Fast Track permit programme. It also prevents offices and agencies under Shapiro’s authority from signing non-disclosure agreements with data centre developers.
“I’m using the full weight of my executive authority to block the objectionable, unwarranted projects and put the nation’s strictest set of protections in place.”
Shapiro said the measures are designed to prevent data centre projects from increasing utility bills while protecting residents’ rights to clean air and water.
Other states have introduced similar restrictions. New York imposed a 1-year moratorium on large new data centres in July. Earlier this month, Texas Governor Greg Abbott paused approvals for new projects over concerns that rising electricity demand could affect grid reliability.
Despite the tighter rules, Pennsylvania remains an attractive destination for data centre development. Amazon announced $20 billion in planned investment in the state last year.
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