Contact: Vanessa Lynch, Pennsylvania Campaign Coordinator
[email protected]; 757.277.3729
Harrisburg, PA – On Wednesday, May 27th, Governor Shapiro released his GRID Data Center Principles, which are an important first step in establishing air pollution guardrails for data center proposals across the commonwealth. By prioritizing zero-emission backup power generation and storage for data centers, Governor Shapiro is working to place clean air for fenceline communities at the forefront of the conversation. The GRID principles also call for energy efficiency standards that would ask data centers to use the smallest amount of energy possible, another vital step in protecting Pennsylvania’s fenceline families.
“Data center proposals are popping up all over communities in Pennsylvania. As Pennsylvanians consider what this influx means for their health, Governor Shapiro’s GRID Data Center Principles are a positive first step toward protecting fenceline families who will be most burdened by dirty onsite diesel generators. By prioritizing zero-emission backup energy generation and storage, along with limiting backup generation to emergency only use, the Governor is supporting clean air for families who live, learn, and play near these developments. GRID’s focus on making sure data centers pay for their own power and protecting families’ pocketbooks is another great step. The real test for Governor Shapiro’s GRID Principles, however, will be if they are able to get data centers across the finish line that prioritize clean, renewable energy, thereby adding cheap, deliverable power to the grid, while balancing the concerns of impacted communities,” says Vanessa Lynch, Pennsylvania Campaign Coordinator for Moms Clean Air Force.
The GRID Data Center Principles include commonsense requirements that communities have been demanding: transparency about who is behind a project, early and meaningful public engagement, and enforceable commitments around community benefit plans. Families deserve to know what’s being built and to advocate for what they believe is best for their community.
The most significant and health protective data center safeguards for Pennsylvania families will only be accomplished through clear legislative leadership. Only by creating laws that protect the air fenceline families breathe, prioritizing clean, renewable energy, and making sure data centers pay their own way for their energy needs will our families have durable safeguards.