HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania is putting new restrictions on data center development as concerns grow about electricity costs, water use and local impacts. The state DEP Secretary Jessica Shirley says developers must meet new state standards. She says they must also secure local approval to receive Commonwealth support, and comply with the new, so called ‘GRID’ requirements.
Shirley said, “Grid requirements mandate that developers bring their own energy sources, provide open transparent communication with local communities, hire and train local workers and meet the highest standards for environmental protection including strict water conservation requirements.”
The governor signed an executive order requiring developers to support local workers and cannot shift costs onto other electric customers. The order removes AI data centers from Pennsylvania’s fast-track permitting program and prohibits nondisclosure agreements for the projects.
