BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Gov. Josh Shapiro’s new ground rules for the state’s data center industry reflect a dramatic shift in both his policy and political positioning, according to Lehigh University political scientist Chris Borick.
Shapiro signed an executive order last week imposing tougher requirements on data center development, including provisions addressing energy, environmental and water protections and workforce development.
The order represents a significant departure from the governor’s earlier efforts to encourage the industry’s growth.
Borick said on this week’s episode of Political Pulse the change reflects a rapid shift in public opinion as residents have become increasingly concerned about the potential effects of data centers on their communities, utility bills and the environment.
Stephanie Sigafoos
“The issue in terms of how Pennsylvanians look at data centers has evolved very quickly,” Borick said.
“Public attitudes, public perceptions, public backlash against data centers has been extreme and quickly moving.”
The timing also matters, Borick said. Shapiro is seeking a second term this fall against Republican Stacey Garrity, and the governor has a substantial advantage in both fundraising and public approval.
“The governor, being the good political figure he is in an election year, don't forget that, 70 days or so, is making sure that he is in line with where a Pennsylvania population is on this matter,” Borick said.
Shapiro’s position has evolved considerably over the past year. He previously promoted Pennsylvania as a prime destination for data centers and supported incentives to attract the industry.
Borick described the shift as a trajectory that has followed public sentiment.
Jason Addy
“Think about that in one year, kind of moving from the place of let's get them here to, yeah, they can come here, but we're going to require certain things,” he said.
“And we might still give them a few breaks if they do that to the point now in the summer of 2026, where he's issued this executive order that, as you said, in your own words, is very much using the stick and not having very many carrots.”
The change comes as opposition to data centers has spread beyond communities directly facing development proposals.
Borick said local fights have helped turn data centers into a statewide political issue, while growing concerns about artificial intelligence, corporate power and electricity costs have broadened the issue's appeal.
“It's getting a lot of attention. It's getting a lot of news coverage. People are talking about it all the time,” he said.
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