PA Environment Digest Blog

Tuesday, November 10, 2026

DEP: About 25 Data Center Projects In Some Stage Of Permitting In PA, None Have Signed A Consent Order Saying They Will Comply With GRID Standards Under Governor’s Executive Order

On November 10, the Department of Environmental Protection reported there are now about 25 data center projects in some stage of permitting. While there has been some interest, none of the developers have signed a consent order saying they will comply with the Governor’s GRID Standards under the Governor’s August 18, 2026 Executive Order 2026-05.

DEP’s comments were made at a joint meeting of the DEP Citizens Advisory Council and the DEP Environmental Justice Advisory Board. Read more on the agenda.

Status Of Executive Order

The Governor’s Executive Order says it applies to “any permit or authorization application submitted after the effective date of this Executive Order in connection with a data center project with peak demand of over 25 MW by an applicant.”

Ramez Ziadeh, P.E., DEP Executive Deputy Secretary, said-- “We have about 25 data center projects that are in different phases of the permitting process.”

“We created this map on our website that shows the locations of all the data centers that are currently in the permitting process and different phases of the permitting process and also shows the unconfirmed data center locations that we know about as of today.”

Ziadeh explained the Executive Order sets up two permitting “tracks” for data center developers.

“Track one requires a consent order and agreement with the data center operator to basically to implement those grid standards. So if the applicant chooses to use that track, they have to execute this consent order and agreement with the department and then they can apply for their permits.”

“Their permits can be processed on a rolling basis the way other projects are handled currently.

“However, those permits will not be issued before the applicant provides all of their local approvals, including zoning approvals and any approvals that are needed under the subdivision and land development ordinance if there is one at the local level.”

Ziadeh said-- “Track two requires local approvals upfront before the DEP can review any permit applications for that project.

“In addition to that requirement and track two permits, projects cannot be phased really, permits cannot be phased. And all permits that are required for the data center project would have to be submitted and processed, coordinated [and processed together.]”

“If there are any water withdrawal or discharge approvals that are needed for the project from the river basin commissions, those approvals are also required upfront in track two.”

DEP Secretary Jessica Shirley said in summary-- “[So] there's the path of the GRID standards and then there's the path of the not GRID standards.”

No Consent Orders Yet

DEP Secretary Jessica Shirley said-- “We are actively negotiating with a number of data centers right now about the COAs [consent orders], so there's definitely interest from the data center developers of coming into that track one.”

She did not mention any data center developer that has signed a consent order saying they would comply with the Governor’s GRID standards.

Click Here to listen to audio of DEP’s presentation.

GRID Standards

Among other requirements, the Governor’s Responsible Infrastructure Development (GRID) and the Executive Order requires--

-- Bring Your Own Power: Developers must bring their own power and pay for all the costs associated with that electricity. They will not be permitted to saddle homeowners and businesses with added costs because of their development.

-- Clean Energy Sources: They must get an increasingly significant portion of that power from clean energy sources like solar, advanced nuclear, and battery storage.

-- First Off The Grid In An Emergency: In the event of a grid energy emergency, data centers will be the ones who get cut off first.

-- Promote Transparency and Community Engagement: Provide a community outreach plan that promotes public engagement and enables meaningful public input.

-- Supporting Workforce and Economic Development: Provide a community benefit plan detailing anticipated contributions to the state and local community beyond existing legal obligations.

Gov. Josh Shapiro said during his remarks at the August announcement of the Executive Order-- “If a developer refuses to comply with those requirements, they will have no pathway of getting the necessary approvals needed to build a data center in Pennsylvania.”

DEP Processing Permits

According to PA Bulletin notices published by DEP since August 18, DEP continues to review, hold meetings and hearings on applications and issue permits from data center developers for data center site preparation and facilities, related power plant developers and public utilities for data center supporting infrastructure.

DEP is not to issue any permit or authorization for a covered data center project whose application was submitted after August 18, 2026, unless it complies with the Executive Order.

Some examples include--

-- DEP Received Act 2 Land Recycling Remediation Report For Former Cheswick Generating Station Data Center Site In Springdale, Allegheny County [PaEN]

-- DEP To Hold Oct. 14 Meeting/Hearing On Major Amendment To Water Quality Permit For Homer City Data Center/Power Plant Complex In Indiana County; Stormwater Permit Issued [PaEN]

-- DEP Invites Comments On Stormwater Permit For PPL Electric Stonehouse Substation & Transmission Line Project In Middlesex Twp., Cumberland County [PaEN]

-- DEP Invites Comments On Stormwater Permit For PPL Electric JUNI-NEBU 500 kV Transmission Line Project In Perry County To Serve Large Loads [PaEN]

-- DEP Issues Section 401 Water Quality Certification For Restart Of Constellation Energy Three Mile Island Data Center Nuclear Power Plant In Dauphin County [PaEN]

-- DEP Invites Comments On New Water Quality Permit For Amazon Data Services ADS Berwick Data Center In Salem Twp., Luzerne County [PaEN]

-- DEP Invites Comments On Stormwater Permit For Construction Of 2 Data Center Buildings, Electric Substation In Sharon City, Mercer County [PaEN]

-- DEP Invites Comments On Air Quality Permit For Installation Of 156 Diesel Generators At The Greenfield Road Owner, LLC Phase 2 Data Center Project In City Of Lancaster [PaEN]

-- Indiana County Conservation District Issues 2 PAG-02 Stormwater General Permits For Homer City A.I. Data Center/Power Plant Complex In Indiana County [PaEN]

-- DEP Invites Comments On Air Permit For Operating Natural Gas Boilers, Backup Generators At TECfusions Keystone LLC New Kensington Data Center In Westmoreland County; Stormwater Permit Issued [PaEN]

-- DEP Invites Comments On A Chapter 105 Permit For Amazon Data Services Project Rosebud II In Luzerne County [PaEN]

-- DEP Invites Comments On Individual Stormwater Permit For The CDE Acquisitions LLC Project Atlas A.I. Data Center Complex In Lehigh County [PaEN]

-- DEP To Hold Public Meeting/Hearing Nov. 23 On Chapter 105 Permit For The CDE Acquisitions LLC Project Atlas A.I. Data Center Complex In Lehigh County [PaEN]

-- DEP Invites Comments On Individual Stormwater Permit For Shippingport Power Station Natural Gas Fuel Yard In Beaver County For Aligned Data Centers Project [PaEN]

-- DEP Issued Air Quality Plan Approval Extension For Installation Of Emergency Generator For Innovation 411 Fee Owner LLC Data Center Chilled Water Expansion Project In Upper Merion Township, Montgomery County [PaEN]

-- DEP To Hold Dec. 3 Meeting/Hearing On Air Permit For Installation Of Emergency Generators At Aligned AI PA Data Center In Shippingport Boro, Beaver County [PaEN]

-- DEP Issues Air Quality Permit To Amazon Data Services For Installation Of 76 Diesel-Fired Backup Generators At New Data Center Project In Falls Twp., Bucks County [PaEN]

DEP Data Center Permit Information

Visit DEP’s Data Center Permit Tracker webpage for information on pending permits for A.I. data center projects established by Gov. Shapiro’s Data Center Executive Order.

The Governor’s executive order requires data center developers to obtain all permits and local approvals before DEP can review any permits for the facility.

To provide information to the state on new data center proposals and whether they meet the requirements in Gov. Shapiro’s Data Center Executive Order, visit the Data Center Feedback webpage.

Resource Links:

-- Gov. Shapiro Signs Executive Order Requiring A.I. Data Center Developers To Sign Consent Order Binding Them To Comply With GRID Principals, Including Clean Energy; DEP Will Not Review Permits Until Communities Give Their Approval [PaEN]

-- Governor’s Office Expected To Announce Further Steps To Regulate A.I. Data Centers ‘Shortly;’ 100 Data Center Proposals Being Discussed in PA, 55 Have Some Interaction With DEP [PaEN]

[Posted: November 10, 2026] PA Environment Digest

Susquehanna University Hosts First Chesapeake Bay Advocacy Institute In Snyder County

Susquehanna University hosted its first Bay Advocacy Institute, a Chesapeake Bay Foundation program that offers college students the opportunity to delve into Chesapeake Bay topics, gain real-world skills in advocacy and develop environmental solutions for their local community and beyond.

“Hosting the Bay Advocacy Institute at Susquehanna connected students’ interests in environmental science and policy with real-world action,” said Siobhan Fathel, assistant professor of earth & environmental sciences at Susquehanna University. “Through expert guidance, hands-on learning and advocacy training, students explored how they can make a difference in their communities and help protect the Chesapeake Bay watershed.”

The Bay Advocacy Institute includes:

-- Four to five hours of on-campus training sessions that include presentations, workshops and discussions. Topics include federal and state advocacy, climate change and optimism, environmental justice and environmental law.

-- An immersive field experience led by expert CBF educators. Students join by canoe to study the dynamic ecosystems of local streams and rivers, while investigating local issues through water quality and biotic sampling.

-- Mentoring to complete a Student Advocacy Plan, through which students dig deeper into an issue in their own community and brainstorm actionable solutions they can take to address that issue.

-- The option to become a Certified Chesapeake Bay Advocate.

Approximately 20 Susquehanna students attended the institute, which offered professional networking opportunities and interdisciplinary career resources while students explored topics such as watershed restoration and environmental restoration efforts at both the state and federal levels, said Natalie Dodson ’27, an earth & environmental sciences major from Peach Bottom, Pennsylvania.

“I gained a better understanding of the importance of environmental advocacy at both the federal and local levels,” Dodson said. “Advocacy can take many forms, whether it involves contacting legislators to oppose harmful bills or educating communities about environmental solutions.”

Erin Bevan ’30, of Houston, Pennsylvania, came to Susquehanna to major in environmental studies and public policy.

She participated in the Bay Advocacy Institute as a first step toward “getting involved in real-world institutions that are making a change.

“My biggest takeaway from the program is how simple it is to advocate. I have done my research on civic involvement, but this really broke down how small actions can make a difference for a cause people care about,” Bevan said. “The program’s focus on policy was also of great interest to me.”

Bevan already has an eye on her postgraduate goals. She hopes to work for Congress, drafting environmental legislation targeted at curbing human impact. Dodson wants to pursue a career in watershed conservation.

“The Bay Advocacy Institute was an important program to bring to Susquehanna because it provided students with an opportunity to learn about protecting one of the largest and most diverse estuaries in the United States,” Dodson said. “The Chesapeake Bay supports over 3,000 species and provides numerous valuable ecosystem services, including recreational opportunities and drinking water for millions of people.”

Click Here for the Susquehanna University announcement.

Tuesday PA Environment & Energy Articles - NewsClips: 11.10.26

“The people have a right to clean air, pure water, and to the preservation of the natural, scenic, historic and esthetic values of the environment. Pennsylvania's public natural resources are the common property of all the people, including generations yet to come. As trustee of these resources, the Commonwealth shall conserve and maintain them for the benefit of all the people.”

-- Article I, Section 27 Pennsylvania Constitution [It’s Not A Suggestion]

NOTICE: PA Environment Digest Will Be CLOSED Nov. 11 to Nov. 16

House Voting Schedule

November 9, 10

-- Committee Schedule

Senate Voting Schedule

November 17, 18

-- Committee Schedule

TODAY’s Calendar Of Events

TODAY 2:00: DCNR Announces New Climate Action Plan For PA Parks, Forests At Mira Lloyd Dock Resource Center, Spring Mills, Centre County

TODAY 12:30: Agenda Posted. Joint DEP Citizens Advisory Council + DEP Environmental Justice Advisory Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 12:30 a.m. Read more here on agenda.

TODAY 11:30: In-Person. Green Building Alliance Hosts Resilient Reading Progress Report -- Revitalizing Buildings And Strengthening Community In Berks County. 11:30.

TODAY 6:00: -- In-Person. DEP meeting/hearing on renewal of NPDES Water Quality Mining Activities for the LCT Energy Rustic Ridge #1 underground coal mine in Donegal Township, Westmoreland County and Saltlick Township, Fayette County. St. Raymond of the Mountains Parish, 170 School House Lane, Donegal. 6:00 p.m.

TODAY 6:30: -- In-Person. Penn State Extension To Hold In-Person Workshop On Solar Energy Trends - Siting, Law And Local Impact On Communities. Youngsville, Warren County. 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

TODAY 7:00: - Virtual. Environmental Health Project, Food & Water Watch, Partners Host Webinar On Shale Gas Fracking, Data Centers And Your Health. 7:00 p.m.

November 11-- In-Person. Penn State Extension To Hold In-Person Workshop On Solar Energy Trends - Siting, Law And Local Impact On Communities. Smethport, McKean County. 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

November 12-- DEP Public Water System Technical Assistance Center Board meeting. Next scheduled meeting Nov. 12. (formal notice)

November 12-- In-Person. PA Organization For Watersheds & Rivers Hosts In-Person Southeast Regional Watersheds Workshop In Montgomery County.

November 12-- Virtual. PA Interfaith Power & Light, Partners Host Webinar -- Canopy Calling: Tree Equity From The Roots Up, 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.

November 12-- In-Person. Penn State Extension To Hold In-Person Workshop On Solar Energy Trends - Siting, Law And Local Impact On Communities. Tionesta, Forest County. 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

November 13-- WeConservePA: 2026 Municipal Open Space Summit. Chester Springs, Chester County.

November 14-- In-Person. Regenall Climate Summit In Lancaster County. 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

November 14-- In-Person. Penn State Extension Volunteer Riparian Buffer Plantings. City of Lancaster, Lancaster County. 9:00 a.m.

November 16-- DEP - PA Energy Development Authority Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00 a.m.

November 16-- Virtual. Western PA Conservancy Webinar On Freshwater Mussel Conservation Plan To Help Guide Conservation Efforts In Pennsylvania. Noon.

November 17-- In-Person/Virtual. Public Utility Commission To Hold Technical Conference On Utility Costs Driven By A.I. Data Centers, Other Large Loads. 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

November 18-- Agenda Posted. DCNR Conservation & Natural Resources Advisory Council Meets Nov. 18 On Conservation And Wildlife Law Enforcement. 10:00 a.m. Read more here.

November 18-- In-Person. DEP Hearing on Individual Stormwater Permit for the Mid-Atlantic Interstate Transmission, LLC 10.4 mile Segment 2 - Bushkill Falls To Birchwood Lakes Electric Substation transmission line project in Lehman and Delaware Townships, Pike County. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

November 18-- Virtual. DEP Informational Meeting On PECO Limerick 67 MW Transmission Line Crossing Schuylkill River In Chester, Montgomery Counties. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Read more here.

November 18-- In-Person. DEP Hearing RACT III Title V Air Quality Permit For Lehigh Heavy Forge Corp In Bethlehem, Northampton County. DEP Northwest Regional Office. 10:00 a.m.

November 18-- In-Person. DEP hearing on proposed revisions to the State Air Quality Implementation Maintenance Plan for the Lancaster Nonattainment Area for Fine Particulate. DEP Regional Office, 909 Elmerton Ave., Harrisburg. 1:00 p.m. (formal notice)

-- Cleanup Crews Continue Recovery Of Jet Fuel, Air Monitoring Around Site Of Energy Transfer Pipeline Struck By Utility Contractor In Upper Merion Twp., Montgomery County [PaEN]

-- Inquirer - Frank Kummer: Repaired Energy Transfer Jet Fuel Pipeline Resumes Service As Spill Cleanup From Contractor Strike Continues In Upper Merion Twp., Montgomery County

-- WHYY: Montgomery County Pipeline Spill Cleanup Continues; Officials Say Air Monitors Have Not Detected Elevated Levels Of Pollutants

-- Warren Times: DEP Issues 6 Violations From Crude Oil Spill In Warren Impacting 7 Miles Of Allegheny River

-- City Of Reading Highlights Sustainability Progress, Community Partnerships And Environmental Investments [PaEN]

-- TribLive: Lifeline For Coal Power Plants: EPA, State Grant Extension To Keystone, Conemaugh Plants In Indiana, Armstrong Counties [Both Plants Hope To Sell Power To Data Centers]

-- Erie Times-News: Pat Black’s Erie-Based Biofuels Empire Is Being Sold, But His Debt Keeps Growing

-- The Center Square: Bucks County Company Makes Air Into Diesel And Jet Fuel

-- Susquehanna University Research Reveals Hidden Habitat Beneath Solar Energy Array In Snyder County [PaEN]

-- PA Capital-Star/The Conversation: Philadelphia’s Academy Of Natural Sciences Just Closed, A Blow For Budding Young Scientists Like Me - By Lili Mei Granda Argianas, Washington University

-- Inside Climate News: A Cooking Oil Replacement Is Growing In Pennsylvania’s Forests - Native Hickory Nut Oil Is A Sustainable Alternative

-- PENNSYLMANIA Podcast: New 6-Part Series Highlights The Lumber Industry, Forest Conservation In Pennsylvania [PaEN]