Pennsylvania Executive Order Ensures Data Center Regulations and Empowers Communities

Governor Josh Shapiro signed an executive order Tuesday detailing new requirements for data center projects in Pennsylvania.

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) is encouraged to see that the Governor’s office is building transparency into the data center construction process in the Commonwealth. Without proper oversight, data centers can threaten the health and well-being of Pennsylvania communities, compromise air quality, and put local streams, the Susquehanna River, and the Chesapeake Bay at risk. Requiring developers to report energy and water use is essential to understanding the environmental impacts of these large-scale industrial projects.

Data centers can place significant demands on surface and groundwater supplies, increase electricity bills, and fill communities with persistent noise and harmful air pollution from diesel generators. These new requirements will help communities better understand the potential threats and support efforts to protect clean drinking water, healthy air, and a high quality of life for Pennsylvanians.

CBF Pennsylvania Director of Science Policy and Advocacy Harry Campbell issued the following statement

“Pennsylvania continues to move in the right direction in fighting the mounting challenges posed by data center projects. Now that these facilities are required to report their electricity and water usage, we can better understand potential threats.”

“The executive order signed by Governor Shapiro establishes stronger safeguards, greater transparency, and added accountability to the data center industry. We look forward to continuing to work with state lawmakers to ensure that Pennsylvanians can enjoy thriving communities, clean air, productive farms and forests, and healthy rivers and streams for generations to come.”