Josh Shapiro Redefines Pennsylvania’s Tech Boom
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania — In June 2025, Gov. Josh Shapiro (D-PA) stood in Berwick and described a new economic horizon for Pennsylvania: Amazon’s plan to invest at least $20 billion in cloud-computing and artificial intelligence campuses across the commonwealth.
TL;DR
- Gov. Josh Shapiro announced Amazon's $20 billion investment in AI and cloud-computing data centers in Pennsylvania in June 2025.
- Shapiro initially promoted Pennsylvania as a national hub for AI and next-generation technology, leveraging its energy production capabilities.
- The investment was projected to create thousands of jobs and represent the largest private-sector investment in the state's history.
- Shapiro's PA Permit Fast Track Program was initially designed to expedite major projects.
- Executive Order 2026-05 removes data center projects from the Fast Track Program, requiring more stringent state permit reviews.
- New requirements focus on energy affordability, transparency, community engagement, workforce development, and environmental protection.
- Developers must make legally binding commitments to cover infrastructure costs, engage with communities, hire local workers, and meet environmental standards.
- Projects must obtain local approvals before state permits are issued, with a more restrictive review sequence for those declining the GRID framework.
- The order also bans nondisclosure agreements related to data-center proposals and requires energy and water usage reporting.
- The shift reflects a growing debate over the impact of data centers on local resources and communities.
- The Data Center Coalition acknowledges the goal of balancing economic opportunities with resident interests but warns against midstream rule changes.