An Important But Limited Win Against Data Centers in Pennsylvania

The order removes all AI data center proposals from the state’s fast-track permitting process and prohibits the use of nondisclosure agreements, which have been used to prevent communities from learning basic facts about data center projects in their backyards

Institute for Public Accuracy

Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania has signed an executive order directing the Department of Environmental Protection to limit new data center projects. He directed the department to only review permit applications for data centers if developers have made a commitment to meeting Responsible Infrastructure Development Requirements and have received local approval before permit applications for new data center projects can be reviewed.

Emma Claire Foley coordinates the Data Center Action Network, a joint endeavor of RootsAction and the RootsAction Education Fund. She told the Institute for Public Accuracy: “On August 18, Shapiro signed an executive order placing much-needed limits on new data center projects. The order removes all AI data center proposals from the state’s fast-track permitting process and prohibits the use of nondisclosure agreements, which have been used to prevent communities from learning basic facts about data center projects in their backyards.

“While this is a step in the right direction, an executive order is a fundamentally inadequate instrument of governance with which to deal with this critical issue. Construction on these facilities is surging in response to the increased need for data processing capacity from cloud computing. But tech companies are ramping up construction of these facilities to cope with the energy needs of artificial intelligence systems.

“A data center can use millions of gallons of water daily for cooling, and there is little transparency around the pollution effects of this use. The cost for using that water is often shifted to residents in the form of rate hikes. Data center projects are often given tax breaks and incentives that, in some states, amount to up to a billion dollars of state subsidies for the industry.

“Data centers produce light and noise pollution as well as local and global climate effects that accelerate climate change and make life difficult or impossible for their neighbors.

“Governor Shapiro’s executive order addresses many of these issues, but we need durable long-term solutions that impose stringent limits on new and existing data centers. We cannot allow this critical issue to hinge on the preferences of individual leaders.”