Story perspectives

Shapiro Signs Order Requiring Local Approval for Data Centers

8/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

Governor Josh Shapiro (PA) signed an executive order requiring local approval for data-center permits.
Governor Greg Abbott (TX) paused new data-center approvals while regulators audit tax breaks and water use.
Governor Rogers (MI) backed a one-year moratorium on new data centers, matching Abdul El-Sayed’s stricter standards.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced a $1 billion fund to invest in communities hosting data centers.
Eight states rolled back data-center tax subsidies in 2026.

History

Historical Context

After Nevada granted Switch’s SuperNAP a major tax break, the Sierra Club sued over the project’s high water demand. The dispute anticipated a wider trend: by 2024, at least 36 states had introduced data-center tax incentives, leading to Virginia audits, a vetoed Georgia repeal, and stricter permitting to limit environmental impacts.

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Story summary

Governor Josh Shapiro (PA) signed an executive order requiring local approval for data-center permits.
Governor Greg Abbott (TX) paused new data-center approvals while regulators audit tax breaks and water use.
Governor Rogers (MI) backed a one-year moratorium on new data centers, matching Abdul El-Sayed’s stricter standards.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced a $1 billion fund to invest in communities hosting data centers.
Eight states rolled back data-center tax subsidies in 2026.

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