To Manage Data Center Challenges, Governor Shapiro Signs Executive Order on “GRID” Principles

HARRISBURG, PA – Governor Josh Shapiro signed an executive order today implementing the Governor’s Responsible Infrastructure Development (GRID) Principles, which will require data center projects to bring the power they need, including clean energy, in order to qualify for faster state permits needed for construction from the Commonwealth. The four principles (energy affordability; transparency and community engagement; workforce and economic development; and environmental protection) are aimed at protecting Pennsylvanians, the environment, and the electrical grid.

The following statement is from Manish Bapna, President & CEO of NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council):

“Pennsylvania families shouldn't foot the bill for the AI boom. Governor Shapiro's Executive Order marks progress by strongly encouraging data centers to pay for their own power and grid upgrades. That helps relieve people in the state of serious cost and pollution burdens. Pennsylvanians know affordable energy and clean energy are not competing goals here, they are the same goal." 

“Pennsylvanians have made clear they do not want unlimited, unaccountable data center growth. They want the affordability, transparency and public health protections in these standards. And they want the legislature to finish the job.” 

NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) is an international nonprofit environmental organization with more than 3 million members and online activists. Established in 1970, NRDC uses science, policy, law and people power to confront the climate crisis, protect public health, and safeguard nature. NRDC has offices in New York City, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Beijing and Delhi (an office of NRDC India Pvt. Ltd).