Pa. Gov. Shapiro says too many data center developers 'don't care about our communities'
A Gallup survey released in May found that "seven in 10 Americans oppose constructing data centers for artificial intelligence in their local area."
TL;DR
- Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro criticizes AI data center developers for not caring about local communities.
- Shapiro signed an executive order establishing strict requirements for data center development, including local support and environmental protections.
- Data center projects must now earn local support before seeking state permits.
- Developers are required to generate their own power and pay for it, and must protect water supply and air quality.
- National opposition to data centers is rising due to concerns about electricity demand, utility costs, and water resources.
- A Gallup survey indicates that seven in 10 Americans oppose AI data centers in their local areas.
- Governor Shapiro's challenger, Stacy Garrity, called the executive order 'damage control' and proposed pausing data center development if elected.
- David Sacks suggested that educating the public about the benefits of data centers, such as potential cost reductions and grid upgrades, could shift public opinion.