Governor Shifts Power to Towns on Data Centers | Philadelphia News

Philadelphia News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Aug 19, 2026 · 1m

Governor Josh Shapiro just dropped the harshest data center rules in the nation, empowering towns to veto massive facilities with four ironclad requirements: cover your own energy, minimize noise and pollution, conserve water, hire locals, and give back through community deals. If a town says no, the state stands behind them. This bold move responds to rising backlash—like in western PA over a proposed racetrack site—where residents fear losing control. Meanwhile, critics accuse Shapiro of flip-flopping, citing past support and campaign ties. It’s a pivotal moment in the fight to return…