Pennsylvania Just Added One Gate That Every Data Center Developer Has to Clear
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro signed Executive Order 2026-05 on August 18, altering the way in which the state critiques permits for knowledge facilities with peak demand exceeding 25 MW.
The order takes impact instantly and creates two overview tracks, relying on whether or not a developer indicators a binding settlement with state regulators.
How Pennsylvania Will Review Data Center Permits
Developers who commit to the Governor’s Responsible Infrastructure Development necessities can signal a consent order with the Department of Environmental Protection. Those builders obtain a rolling review of their applications.
Developers who decline wait till each utility is filed and reviewed. They additionally lose entry to two state applications that assure allow turnaround occasions.
Both tracks share one gate. DEP can not challenge permits, or for non-signers start overview, till a developer exhibits the venture matches the native complete plan and holds all municipal approvals.
The order additionally removes each knowledge heart from the Fast Track allowing program.
“…if the local people doesn’t approve a venture, the state gained’t approve it both,” Governor Shapiro said.
The order cites experiences of greater than 100 proposed services statewide. DEP has obtained allow functions tied to 20 services.
Cost strain sits behind the transfer. Data facilities drove $29.4 billion in capacity expenses to ratepayers throughout PJM Interconnection’s final 4 base residual auctions, or 46% of whole public sale prices, in accordance to the PJM Independent Market Monitor. PJM serves all or components of 13 states and Washington, DC.
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State Backlash Spreads Against AI Data Centers
Pennsylvania joins a widening group. In July, New York’s Governor paused state environmental permit issuance for up to 1 yr.
Texas subsequently ordered an audit of all knowledge facilities, with tasks failing to meet the requirements set by the PUCT and ERCOT barred from connecting to the state’s energy grid.
The rising scrutiny extends past regulators. Communities and the broader public have additionally raised issues in regards to the fast enlargement of AI knowledge facilities.
Gallup discovered that 70% of Americans oppose having an AI knowledge heart constructed close to the place they reside. On July 18, a nationwide day of protest towards knowledge facilities noticed 142 demonstrations throughout 42 states.
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