politics
The stakes of Josh Shapiro's data center pivot
His newly hard line says plenty about the evolving politics of AI.
TL;DR
- Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has implemented a new executive order creating stricter standards for data center developers.
- The changes include requirements for community buy-in and remove data centers from the state's fast-track permitting program.
- This hard line contrasts with previous, more welcoming policies and comes after legislative proposals did not advance.
- Environmental groups have applauded the new standards.
- Critics argue the move is a return to a traditional Democratic approach of criticizing businesses.
- The political tone surrounding data centers is shifting nationwide, with implications for upcoming elections.