Shapiro and Garrity Reverse Course on Data Centers Ahead of PA Vote

Gov. Josh Shapiro and challenger Stacy Garrity have both retreated from their initial support for data center expansion in Pennsylvania. The shift in strategy comes as local residents push back against a wave of new construction proposals. Both candidates now emphasize community control over these facilities in the final days before the Tuesday election.

A year ago, Amazon committed $20 billion to the state for new data center infrastructure. At the time, Shapiro declared Pennsylvania would be all in on artificial intelligence. Garrity, the state treasurer, told radio audiences that rural locations would be ideal spots to accept the economic benefits of such development. Both politicians have since altered their messaging to address growing local dissent.

The campaign has turned data centers into a central point of contention. The two candidates have traded attacks in advertisements, questioning each other's regulatory reliability. Garrity's campaign released a controversial ad featuring a deepfake of Shapiro. In the clip, the synthetic image claims he fast-tracked data centers after receiving $5 million in contributions. CBS News reported that similar AI-generated ads have appeared in races in Michigan, Georgia, New York, Texas, and Kentucky.

Shapiro signed an executive order in August that strengthens local decision-making authority. The order also mandates stricter energy use standards and transparency requirements for developers. In response, Garrity has called for a temporary pause on all data center projects. She argues this pause would give communities more time to debate the issue and update local zoning laws.

Public opinion appears to be shifting against the projects. A Quinnipiac poll conducted in July showed 76% of likely voters were closely following AI data center news. Additionally, 74% said they would oppose construction in their own communities. Ben Berger, a political scientist at Swarthmore College, noted that concrete local stakes, such as rising utility bills and noise pollution, are driving this civic engagement.

Statewide, there are currently about 70 data center projects in various stages of development or proposal. An independent dashboard tracking these hyperscale projects indicates that more than 20 additional proposals have been withdrawn, delayed, or rejected due to local pushback. In Upper Hanover, Montgomery County, one developer withdrew a plan this month after underestimating public outcry. Another developer in the Poconos offered residents $10,000 checks to gain support.

Supporters of data centers argue that opposition is overstated. A survey commissioned by the American Infrastructure Alliance found that initial support stands at 36%. However, that figure rises to 80% when developers present specific commitments to the community. Jim Lee, president of Susquehanna Polling and Research, stated that voters want to know if development will be responsible and meet clear expectations.

The political trajectory of data centers may mirror the state's history with fracking. Berger compared the current conflict to the natural gas industry, where opponents initially fought for strict regulations. He noted that while the industry defeated a statewide ban, the issue has since receded from the forefront of state politics. He warned that opponents must widen the scope of the conflict to sustain their momentum.