Pennsylvania has enacted stricter regulations governing data center permitting processes.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro recently signed Executive Order 2026-05, directing Commonwealth agencies to require all data center proposals seeking permits to comply with the Governor’s Responsible Infrastructure Development (GRID) Requirements. According to the press release, the measure is designed to block “speculative, irresponsible data center projects from moving forward, giving local communities more power over data center development, and protecting Pennsylvania residents.”

Under the executive order, developers must obtain local approval and submit legally binding commitments to the GRID Requirements before the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will evaluate proposed permit applications. The GRID Requirements stipulate that developers must:

Pennsylvania is not the first state to impose stricter conditions on data center development in recent months. Earlier this month, Texas Governor Abbott ordered a comprehensive review of data centers connecting to the Texas grid, requiring thorough verification and audits before any projects can proceed. Additionally, New York Governor Hochul signed an executive order in July pausing new permits for data centers with 50 MW+ demands. That pause provides state agencies time to develop a regulatory framework addressing the growing impact on the electric grid, natural resources, and local communities.

These directives emerge amid mounting nationwide pushback against data center expansion, driven by community concerns over strain on power grids, water resources, and local infrastructure. The new orders aim to require developers to address environmental, energy, and related concerns before projects can advance.

For further analysis on this trend, read “The Rising Challenge of Moratoriums on Data Center Construction and Industry Adaptation” by Tom Zind.

Michael Morris is editor for EC&M and its sister publications, Electrical Wholesaling and Electrical Marketing. He can be contacted at [email protected].