Madsen applauds Shapiro’s action to protect communities from harmful data center development
Rep. David Madsen August 18, 2026 | 3:07 PM
HARRISBURG, Aug. 18 – State Rep. Dave Madsen, D-Dauphin, today praised Gov. Josh Shapiro for taking decisive action to protect Pennsylvania communities by issuing Executive Order 2026-05, which establishes the nation’s strictest guardrails on data center development.
“Pennsylvanians have been clear: they will not be steamrolled by billion-dollar developers or left to shoulder the costs of massive energy demands,” Madsen said. “This executive order recognizes those concerns and ensures that transparency, environmental protection, and community input are not optional — they are the price of doing business here.
“Standing up for ratepayers and protecting our constitutional right to clean air and pure water is essential to public trust and responsible growth.”
The order requires data center developers to obtain local approval and enter into a legally binding commitment to follow the Commonwealth’s Responsible Infrastructure Development (GRID) Requirements before any state permits are considered. These requirements guarantee that developers pay the full cost of their energy demand; engage openly and early with local residents; invest in community benefits; hire and train local workers; and meet strict environmental safeguards, including water conservation protections.
By mandating these conditions, the administration is reinforcing the long-standing principle that major projects must respect both local authority and the communities they seek to enter.
“The message is simple,” Madsen added. “Pennsylvania will not allow speculative proposals or corporate pressure to override the needs of our towns and neighborhoods. This order affirms that growth must strengthen communities — not strain them.”
The executive order also removes data center projects from the PA Fast Track Program, prohibits nondisclosure agreements related to proposed developments, and requires all operators to report annual data on energy and water consumption to the Department of Environmental Protection. In addition, a newly released public map now allows residents to track proposed data center projects and follow permit reviews in real time.