Shapiro Once Called Data Centers a 'Game Changer,' Now He Calls Developers 'Predatory Speculators'

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro reversed course on data center development, signing an executive order he calls the strictest guardrails in the nation after facing mounting public backlash. The Center Square's Ford Turner reports on the policy shift from a governor who created a fast-track permitting program for data centers in late 2024. The new executive order removes data centers from that fast-track program, directs the Department of Environmental Protection to add new safeguards to the permit review process, and bans the use of non-disclosure agreements on data center projects. Shapiro said data center "speculators" have been "bullying" township officials and communities, citing insufficient financing and lack of firm agreements with tech companies. The state House passed bipartisan grid-requirement legislation that the Senate has declined to bring to a vote; Senate Majority Leader has stated no intention of taking legislative action on the issue. The reversal drew criticism from multiple directions: Democratic State Senator Katie Muth called for a three-year moratorium, noting New York already has a one-year data center permit moratorium, and questioned whether Shapiro's order is genuinely the "strictest" standard given that comparison. Republican State Senator Jarrett Coleman, who has proposed legislation letting localities enact up to 18-month moratoriums, said Shapiro "made a mistake" by initially fast-tracking the industry. Shapiro's Republican gubernatorial opponent, State Treasurer Stacy Garrity, accused him of trying to "gaslight" Pennsylvanians given his prior enthusiasm for the industry. Top Democratic House leadership praised the order and blamed Senate Republicans for inaction. Shapiro is seeking reelection and is frequently mentioned as a potential 2028 presidential candidate. Read more on this developing story at thecentersquare.com.