Shapiro Says Data Center Developers Must Earn Local Support Before Permitting

According to CNBC, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said too many data center developers do not care about the communities where they are building artificial intelligence projects, and he said developers must earn local support before seeking state permits. Shapiro, who appeared on CNBC's "Squawk on the Street" with Chobani CEO Hamdi Ulukaya, said his Aug. 18 executive order requires proposals to comply with the Governor's Responsible Infrastructure Development (GRID) Requirements and removes artificial intelligence data center projects from a fast-track approval program. He said developers must generate their own power and pay for it, and must protect water supply and air quality. Shapiro also said Chobani's planned $1.2 billion investment in a new Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, dairy manufacturing hub shows the kind of community partnership he wants.