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

The Environmental Rights Amendment of the PA Constitution guarantees the right to clean air, pure water and to the preservation of the aesthetic values of the environment.

By: Michael Helbing, Penn State, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: September 1, 2026

Words: 1,048

Last Updated: 10 hours, 43 minutes ago

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By Michael Helbing, Penn State

Governors across the country are relying on their executive powers to address the increasing public backlash against data center proposals.

In July 2026, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul placed an effective moratorium on data center permitting until the state’s Department of Public Service creates a generic environmental impact statement regarding the impacts of data centers. Similarly, in August 2026, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced a moratorium on …

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