08/19/2026
Yesterday, Governor Josh Shapiro signed his GRID executive order, which requires new standards for data center developers and eliminates the Fast Track Permitting Program in Pennsylvania. The new data center requirements cover four key areas: energy affordability, transparency and community engagement, workforce and economic development, and environmental protection. The standards incentivize data centers to use increasingly more clean power over time and introduce energy price protections for Pennsylvanian families and ratepayers.
"As developers propose to build data centers next to our homes, schools, and playgrounds, they must lead with responsible development that doesn’t bring polluted air, water shortages, and higher power bills to our doorsteps. Governor Shapiro’s executive order is a positive step toward ensuring this happens." – Carolyn Heckman, Associate Director of Pennsylvania Policy for EEN Action
Read our full statement at EENAction.org.