PA Executive Order Signals Progress on Data Center Accountability

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro issued an executive order yesterday, August 18, 2026, addressing the growing impacts of data centers on communities and the energy grid. The order outlines new requirements intended to hold data centers accountable for their energy use. The order also addresses concerns, including data center projects moving forward without appropriate zoning approval, eliminates the existing approval fast track, and establishes a commitment to powering data centers with an increasing percentage of clean energy.

This executive order builds on the protections that HB 1834 would afford Pennsylvanians. HB 1834, which passed the state House and is currently stalled in the state Senate, would establish strict, binding consumer protections for data centers seeking to operate in Pennsylvania. Together, these measures from Governor Shapiro’s administration help ensure that consumers and communities are protected, while requiring data centers to pay their fair share of the energy costs they create.

Vote Solar’s Mid-Atlantic Senior Regional Director, Elowyn Corby, issued the following statement:
“Yesterday’s executive order is an important step forward for families and communities across Pennsylvania. While there’s still critical work to be done, by taking these steps toward holding data centers accountable for their energy use and affirming clean energy commitments, Governor Shapiro is helping shape an energy future that works for communities, not data center profits.”

Vote Solar’s Mid-Atlantic Regulatory Director, Kartik Amarnath, issued the following statement:

“We thank Governor Shapiro for taking this important step to ensure that data centers are held accountable for their growing energy use and impacts on Pennsylvania’s communities. Now more than ever, data centers must be held accountable for their contributions to rising utility costs and grid reliability risks. While more work must be done on this front, especially by the state’s Public Utility Commission, this executive order represents meaningful progress, and we’re encouraged to see the administration respond to the concerns raised by communities across the state.”