Shapiro Imposes Strict Data Center Rules After $20 Billion Amazon Push
Updated
Updated · CNBC · Sep 1
Shapiro Imposes Strict Data Center Rules After $20 Billion Amazon Push
3 articles · Updated · CNBC · Sep 1
Summary
$20 billion in Amazon-backed data center investment has not stopped Gov. Josh Shapiro from hardening Pennsylvania's stance, saying too many AI developers "don't care" about local communities.
Shapiro said his Aug. 18 executive order now bars AI data centers from fast-track approvals and requires developers to win local support, generate and pay for their own power, and protect water and air quality.
The governor cast the rules as the toughest in the country, drawing a contrast with President Donald Trump's remark that communities rejecting AI data centers risk becoming "backwards and poor."
The fight reflects a wider political backlash: Gallup found 7 in 10 Americans oppose AI data centers in their area, and both parties are treating the projects as an election issue.