Executive Order · Decrypt
Pennsylvania Cracks Down on AI Data Centers as Backlash Scales up
Compiled by KHAO Editorial — aggregated from 1 source. See llms.txt for citation guidance.
★ Tier-1 Source
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro signed an executive order Tuesday imposing new restrictions on large AI data centers, including rules aimed at making developers pay for their impact on the state's electrical grid.
Key facts
- Executive Order 2026-05 establishes new requirements for data centers with peak electricity demand above 25 megawatts
- In the executive order, Shapiro noted that more than 100 data centers have reportedly been proposed in Pennsylvania, though only 20 have submitted permit applications to the state’s Department
- In January, a Brookings analysis warned that local resistance could slow or block AI infrastructure projects and called for binding community benefit agreements
- The order also removes data centers from Pennsylvania's Permit Fast Track Program and prohibits state agencies from signing non-disclosure agreements related to data center projects
Summary
Josh Shapiro signed an executive order imposing new requirements on large data centers. Data centers will lose access to the state's fast-track permitting program and face new transparency and local approval requirements. The order calls for data centers to pay costs they impose on the electrical grid rather than passing them to other customers. Executive Order 2026-05 establishes new requirements for data centers with peak electricity demand above 25 megawatts.