(Central Square) – Governor Josh Shapiro on Wednesday, two Republican lawmakers issued separate statements related to the continuing wave of data center proposals which sparked controversy and opposition in many parts of the state.
Shapiro, a Democrat and leading supporter of artificial intelligence, provided details on voluntary standards that data center bidders will have to meet if they want support from state government. These standards address energy affordability, transparency and community engagement, economic development and the environment.
“I have heard directly from Pennsylvanians who are concerned about the impact that data center development could have on their communities, the environment and their utility bills,” Shapiro said in a news release. “That’s why I’m putting up clear guardrails to hold developers accountable to protect consumers, strengthen communities and put Pennsylvanians first.”
I asked for a reaction, Republican Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman of Indiana County said the “broad vision” of Shapiro’s proposal “is in many respects consistent with the common concerns expressed by many Pennsylvanians.” Pittman said he expects lawmakers will continue to talk about data center expansion.
Republican Senator Jarrett Coleman from Lehigh County and a Republican Rep. Jamie Walsh Meanwhile, Luzerne County said it has introduced bills to repeal a state sales tax exemption on data center equipment that was passed in 2021. Other bills from the pair of lawmakers would allow municipalities to impose an 18-month moratorium on data center applications.
“The proliferation of massive data centers in the Lehigh Valley and other regions of our state is extremely concerning because their massive energy, water use and noise levels could impact residents,” Coleman said.
– announced the senator intended to submit a bill to abolish the tax relief over a month ago and a democratic country Rep. Greg Vitali Delaware County he submitted a similar application over three months ago. On Wednesday, Shapiro said he wants the Legislature to change the tax credit law so that only data centers that meet his voluntary standards receive the tax credit.
Food & Water Watch, which opposes the rushed nature of the data center and artificial intelligence phenomenon, issued its own statement on Shapiro’s announcement.
Pennsylvania State Director Megan McDonough described Shapiro’s plan as “a set of voluntary half-measures by corporations seeking to exploit our state for profit” and said it would not protect water, energy or quality of life costs.
McDonough said Shapiro “should not regulate data center access to state support – he should bar data center developers from receiving such support in the first place.” McDonough said a moratorium on data center development is needed.
The state has placed a three-year moratorium on the development of gigantic data centers outlined in a memo distributed by the state Senator Katie MuthDemocrat from Chester County. On Wednesday, Muth said a bill based on the memo would likely be filed soon.
“These are voluntary standards,” Muth said of Shapiro’s announcement. Among other missing, desirable requirements that could be placed on data center proposals, she said, is one that would require “stepping back” from the edge of the property.
“It still doesn’t rule out building a hyperscale data center literally in someone’s backyard,” Muth said of Shapiro’s standards.
The reaction from the industry group Data Center Coalition was included in a press release issued by the public relations firm.
The press release quoted the center’s vice president, And DiorioShapiro’s announcement, he said, “creates a complex framework that creates significant challenges for the future development and operation of data centers in the Commonwealth.”
Another public relations firm released a statement on behalf of Clean Power PA, a tidy energy group. It includes the Clean Power PA chair Katie Blume said Shapiro’s concept will facilitate develop data centers responsibly and “with real protection for families, small businesses and host communities.”
Shapiro also announced the availability of a a ‘toolkit’ to facilitate municipalities consider data center proposals. Kyle Kopko, executive director of the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania, said the package contains “useful information for local governments.”
Ford Turner is a Pennsylvania reporter for The Center Square
