Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Governor Josh Shapiro signed Executive Order 2026-05, directing Commonwealth agencies to require all data center proposals applying for permits with the Commonwealth to comply with the Governor's Responsible Infrastructure Development (GRID) Requirements, blocking speculative, irresponsible data center projects from moving forward, giving local communities more power over data center development, and protecting Pennsylvania residents.
The Executive Order directs the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to evaluate permit applications from proposed data centers only if developers have made a legally binding commitment to meet the Governor's GRID Requirements and have received local approval.
"Over the past year, I've listened to the people of Pennsylvania - and I've heard directly from many residents across our Commonwealth who are concerned about what data center development could mean for our communities, our environment, and our utility bills," said Governor Josh Shapiro. "My message to data center developers is clear: if you can't agree to our strict requirements and get the community where you want to build to say 'yes,' you're not going to have the Commonwealth's support either. These are some of the biggest companies in the world - they can afford to be good neighbors, follow the rules, and do this right."
This Executive Order lays out strict requirements that data center developers must meet regarding energy affordability, community engagement, workforce and economic development, transparency, and environmental protection - and gives local municipalities a greater say over development in their communities.
READ MORE: wjactv.com/news/local/pa-governor-signs-executive-order-on-ai-data-centers-giving-local-communities-more-power-josh-shapiro-governors-responsible-infrastructure-development-standards-pennsylvania-pa
(Courtesy: PAcast)
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Governor Josh Shapiro signed Executive Order 2026-05, directing Commonwealth agencies to require all data center proposals applying for permits with the Commonwealth to comply with the Governor's Responsible Infrastructure Development (GRID) Requirements, blocking speculative, irresponsible data center projects from moving forward, giving local communities more power over data center development, and protecting Pennsylvania residents.
The Executive Order directs the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to evaluate permit applications from proposed data centers only if developers have made a legally binding commitment to meet the Governor's GRID Requirements and have received local approval.
"Over the past year, I've listened to the people of Pennsylvania - and I've heard directly from many residents across our Commonwealth who are concerned about what data center development could mean for our communities, our environment, and our utility bills," said Governor Josh Shapiro. "My message to data center developers is clear: if you can't agree to our strict requirements and get the community where you want to build to say 'yes,' you're not going to have the Commonwealth's support either. These are some of the biggest companies in the world - they can afford to be good neighbors, follow the rules, and do this right."
This Executive Order lays out strict requirements that data center developers must meet regarding energy affordability, community engagement, workforce and economic development, transparency, and environmental protection - and gives local municipalities a greater say over development in their communities.
READ MORE: wjactv.com/news/local/pa-governor-signs-executive-order-on-ai-data-centers-giving-local-communities-more-power-josh-shapiro-governors-responsible-infrastructure-development-standards-pennsylvania-pa
(Courtesy: PAcast)
_______________
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WJAC on Facebook: facebook.com/WJACTV
WJAC on Twitter: https://x.com/wjactv
Subscribe to WJAC on YouTube: youtube.com/@wjactv4598?si=LD80zM5DgPUq4H1z
For more information, visit wjactv.com
Have a news tip? Send it directly to us:
Email us: news@wjactv.com
Call the Newsroom: 814.255.7650
WJAC is a PA based station and a NBC Television affiliate owned and operated by Sinclair Broadcast Group.
#Pennsylvania #Johnstown #News #JohnstownNews #PennsylvaniaNews #PANews #LocalNews #WJAC #WJACTV #WJACNews #6News #NBC6News
