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Data center projects in Pennsylvania face stronger local scrutiny after Shapiro’s executive order

<name>Michael Helbing, Adjunct Professor of Law, Penn State</name> <foaf:homepage rdf:resource="https://theconversation.com/profiles/michael-helbing-2673295"/>· 1 septembre 2026

The cooling towers of an electric station are seen beyond an Amazon Web Services data center construction project in Berwick, Pa. Paul Weaver/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images Governors across the country are relying on their executive powers to address the increasing public backlash against…

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Governors act on data center backlash

Governors in several U.S.

states are using their executive powers to address growing public opposition to data center projects.

In July 2026, New York Governor Kathy Hochul imposed a temporary ban on data center permits until the state completes an environmental impact study.

In August 2026, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced a similar moratorium to allow a review of data center impacts on the electric grid.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro took a different approach by signing an executive order on August 18, 2026, which imposes stricter local oversight on data center permits rather than banning them outright.

These actions reflect rising concerns about the environmental and community impacts of data centers, which require massive amounts of energy and water to operate.

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