politics
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro cracks down on data centers, says speculators are 'scaring our communities'
"These speculators are nevertheless scaring our communities — being aggressive with township officials," Gov. Josh Shapiro said of developers.
TL;DR
- Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro is cracking down on data centers and scaling back state support.
- He cited concerns about speculative proposals 'scaring our communities' and threatening their character.
- The new measures remove data centers from fast-track permitting and give local communities veto power over project permits.
- This action follows similar moves by other governors, like New York's Kathy Hochul, who imposed a statewide moratorium.
- Industry groups expressed concern that changing rules mid-stream could impact ongoing investments and economic opportunities.
- Shapiro highlighted instances where developers proposed building on community spaces like baseball fields.