Governor Josh Shapiro signed an executive order restricting data center development in Pennsylvania, targeting what he called 'predatory' developers. The order places new regulatory conditions on data center siting, marking one of the most direct interventions by a sitting governor into data center permitting in the country. Pennsylvania has been a target for data center expansion due to its proximity to major East Coast markets and available land.
A governor-level executive order restricting data center development sets a significant state-level precedent that could influence other states weighing similar action. Developers with active or planned Pennsylvania projects face immediate regulatory uncertainty.
Named official (Gov. Josh Shapiro), specific regulatory action (executive order), and statewide scope triggered selection. This ranks above other policy items due to its statewide reach and gubernatorial authority. 2 similar articles covering this event were reviewed but not selected.