Shapiro Outlines Data Center Standards, Boosts Funding for Emergency Responders in Budget Address

Pennsylvania governor's proposals aim to balance economic growth with community needs and environmental protections.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 2:55pm

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In his 2026-27 budget address, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro recognized the importance of data centers to the state's economy, but stressed the need to ensure they meet stringent regulations within local communities. Shapiro announced the GRID (Governor's Responsible Infrastructure Development) standards, which include requirements for data center developers to provide their own power generation, commit to transparency and community engagement, hire and train local workers, and meet high environmental protection standards. The governor also proposed a $30 million investment in grants to support volunteer and professional fire companies across the state.

Why it matters

Data centers have been a growing presence in Northeast Pennsylvania, but their development has raised concerns among some community members about their impact on local resources and the environment. Shapiro's proposed standards aim to balance economic growth with the needs and priorities of affected communities. The increased funding for emergency responders also addresses an ongoing challenge faced by fire departments across the state.

The details

Shapiro's GRID standards would require data center developers to commit to bringing their own power generation or paying entirely for new generation, as well as meet transparency, local hiring, and environmental protection requirements. The Wildcat Ridge Data Center Campus in Archbald, for example, would use 1,600 megawatts of power and up to 3.3 million gallons of water per day. Shapiro's budget also includes a $30 million investment in competitive grants through the Office of the State Fire Commissioner to support recruitment, retention, and capital needs for volunteer and professional fire companies.

  • Shapiro announced the GRID standards and budget proposals during his 2026-27 budget address on February 3, 2026.

The players

Josh Shapiro

The governor of Pennsylvania who outlined the GRID standards and proposed increased funding for emergency responders in his 2026-27 budget address.

Tamara Misewicz-Healey

The founder of the Stop Archbald Data Centers group, who believes Shapiro's standards could be beneficial but stressed the importance of thorough implementation and transparency.

John Judge

The Scranton Fire Chief, who expressed optimism that the proposed $30 million in funding will help fire departments across the state address aging infrastructure needs.

Paige Gebhardt Cognetti

The mayor of Scranton, who believes Shapiro's housing plans align with the city's efforts to streamline permitting and address housing demand.

Dave Argall

A Republican state senator serving Schuylkill, Carbon, and southern Luzerne counties, who agrees that housing remains a critical issue in Pennsylvania and supports policies to promote homeownership and remove regulatory barriers.

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What they’re saying

“Sustainable, responsible development is absolutely important for human survival. We have to get this right. We can't be reckless about this.”

— Tamara Misewicz-Healey, Founder, Stop Archbald Data Centers group (thetimes-tribune.com)

“Fire departments across the state are struggling with funding for improvements to aging infrastructure. Anytime they can set money aside in a competitive grant process, we definitely support that.”

— John Judge, Scranton Fire Chief (thetimes-tribune.com)

“His comprehensive plan for housing really goes hand-in-hand with what we've been doing in the city with making sure we've streamlined our permitting department and permitting fees.”

— Paige Gebhardt Cognetti, Mayor of Scranton (thetimes-tribune.com)

What’s next

The state legislature will need to review and approve Shapiro's budget proposals, including the GRID standards and increased funding for emergency responders.

The takeaway

Shapiro's budget address sought to balance the economic benefits of data centers with the need to protect local communities and the environment. The proposed GRID standards and emergency responder funding demonstrate an effort to address the concerns of both developers and residents as data center development continues in Northeast Pennsylvania.