Story perspectives

Shapiro Ends Pennsylvania Fast-Track Data Center Permitting

8/19/2026

Summary

Story summary

Governor Josh Shapiro signed an executive order ending Pennsylvania’s fast-track data-center permitting and requiring local approval.
The order removes Amazon’s planned data centers from the fast-track program, bars future projects, and requires developers to sign agreements on transparency, water-conservation, and community-benefit plans.
Developers who reject the GRID rules will have permits held by the DEP and lose the state sales-tax exemption that lawmakers unanimously backed but failed to pass.

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Story summary

Governor Josh Shapiro signed an executive order ending Pennsylvania’s fast-track data-center permitting and requiring local approval.
The order removes Amazon’s planned data centers from the fast-track program, bars future projects, and requires developers to sign agreements on transparency, water-conservation, and community-benefit plans.
Developers who reject the GRID rules will have permits held by the DEP and lose the state sales-tax exemption that lawmakers unanimously backed but failed to pass.