Local people react to Gov. Shapiro’s executive order on data centers

Pennsylvania's Governor Josh Shapiro signed an executive order restricting data center development in the state, reversing his earlier support for these projects. The move reflects growing public opposition to data centers. Shapiro stated he wanted to prevent developers from making decisions without community input.

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National story. 28 articles from 22 sources. Updated Aug 22, 2026.

Part of The backlash against AI data centers and their power and water costs

How each side is putting it

Left

3 sources
NBC NewsLean Left· Aug 18, 2026

Gov. Josh Shapiro takes a hard line against ‘predatory’ data center developers in Pennsylvania

PhillyVoiceLean Left· Aug 18, 2026

Gov. Shapiro imposes restrictions on 'speculative' data centers and requires community approval on projects

Philadelphia InquirerLean Left· Aug 18, 2026

Gov. Josh Shapiro expected to sign executive order restricting data center development in Pennsylvania

Philadelphia InquirerLean Left· Aug 19, 2026

Shapiro’s data center shift | Morning Newsletter

Center

16 sources
The HillCenter· Aug 19, 2026

Boo! Josh Shapiro restricts new data center construction in Pennsylvania

Ran by 4 outlets· Mytwintiers, WKBN Youngstown, +2 more
MytwintiersCenter· Aug 19, 2026

Shapiro signs new executive order targeting data centers, 'The strictest in the nation'

WKBN YoungstownCenter· Aug 19, 2026

Shapiro signs new executive order targeting data centers, 'The strictest in the nation'

Phl17Center· Aug 18, 2026

Shapiro signs new executive order targeting data centers, 'The strictest in the nation'

ABC 27 HarrisburgCenter· Aug 18, 2026

Shapiro signs new executive order targeting data centers, 'The strictest in the nation'

CBS NewsCenter· Aug 19, 2026

Shapiro on data center order: "I don't want developers running roughshod"

6ABC PhiladelphiaLean Left· Aug 19, 2026

Pa. Governor Shapiro sets new requirements for data center projects

The HillCenter· Aug 19, 2026

Shapiro signs order restricting data centers in Pennsylvania

Right

3 sources
TribliveLean Right· Aug 22, 2026

Local people react to Gov. Shapiro’s executive order on data centers

Just the NewsLean Right· Aug 21, 2026

Shapiro sides with public on data centers but some say he is late

TribliveLean Right· Aug 18, 2026

Shapiro turning to executive orders at a greater clip than his predecessors

Washington ExaminerRight· Aug 18, 2026

Josh Shapiro signs executive order restricting data center development in Pennsylvania

Just the NewsLean Right· Aug 18, 2026

Pennsylvania Gov. Shapiro reverses course on support for data center industry he once embraced

The story so far

2 developments
  1. Aug 18Shapiro signs order restricting data centers in Pennsylvania
  2. Aug 19Only center coverage:Shapiro on data center order: "I don't want developers running roughshod"

Who covered each development

No new developments

Quiet for 59 days

Last development · Aug 19 — Shapiro on data center order: "I don't want developers running roughshod"

The bigger story