Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro signed Executive Order 2026-05 on Tuesday, directing state agencies to impose new requirements on proposed data centers.

The order instructs the Department of Environmental Protection to review permit applications only if developers make a legally binding commitment to the governor’s Responsible Infrastructure Development requirements and secure local government approval. It also removes data center projects from the state’s fast-track permitting program.

Shapiro’s action targets what the order describes as speculative and irresponsible projects. It aims to limit impacts on electricity costs, water usage, and local communities while giving municipalities greater say over development.

The measure comes amid reports of over 100 data center proposals in the state, with the DEP having received applications for 20 facilities. Fourteen existing or planned sites hold tax exemptions under the Computer Data Center Equipment Program.

The order builds on standards Shapiro released earlier this year. Developers must now commit to bringing their own power generation, adhering to clean energy rules, covering infrastructure costs, limiting water consumption, hiring locally, and engaging communities transparently.

Critics of rapid data center expansion have raised concerns about strain on power grids and water resources. The new rules effectively bar projects that fail to address these issues upfront.

The executive order does not impose a full moratorium but shifts the burden onto developers to demonstrate compliance before advancing through state processes.