ITIF urges Pennsylvania to support responsible data center investment

ITIF has issued a statement responding to Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s executive order on data center development, arguing that the state should support responsible investment rather than add unnecessary barriers.

• ITIF President Daniel Castro said the order includes some sensible safeguards, such as transparency, community engagement, and requiring companies to cover the full cost of electricity and infrastructure.
• ITIF criticized the removal of data centers from Pennsylvania’s fast-track permitting process and objected to community benefit agreement requirements that would fund schools, infrastructure, and long-term economic development.