Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro Cracks Down on AI Data Centre Developers with New Executive Order

Pennsylvania's Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro, who is widely expected to run for the White House in 2028, has issued an executive order aimed at holding data centre developers more accountable and placing stricter restrictions on their projects. With at least 100 active data centres in the state, Mr Shapiro emphasized that companies must adhere to national standards and secure local community approval to operate.

The executive order mandates that developers must generate and pay for their own power rather than shifting electricity costs onto consumers. They must also commit to community transparency and protect Pennsylvania's right to clean air and pure water. Mr Shapiro joins other US elected officials in addressing public concerns over the rapid, artificial intelligence-driven growth of data centres, which have been linked to rising electricity prices, noise pollution, and environmental damage.

During an interview with MeidasTouch, Mr Shapiro criticized certain developers as predatory and sneaky, noting that many lack an end user or a concrete plan for generating electricity. The Governor has previously promoted Microsoft's power purchase agreement with Constellation Energy, which involves restarting the closed Three Mile Island Unit 1 reactor in Middletown, Pennsylvania, to supply energy without overburdening the grid, despite safety concerns from some critics.

Public sentiment heavily favors increased oversight, with a Gallup poll indicating that seven in 10 Americans oppose data centres near their homes, and a Yale Programme on Climate Change survey showing that 60 per cent of registered US voters believe local data centres would raise their electricity bills. Pennsylvania joins other states, such as Texas under Republican Governor Greg Abbott, in implementing stricter regulations for new data centre construction.