‘Pay for your own power’: Shapiro digs in on data center energy costs

Politico

by By Peter Behr, Christa Marshall and Joel Kirkland

February 19, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro is navigating a significant shift in his approach to data center policies as he prepares for his reelection campaign and positions himself as a potential 2028 presidential candidate. Known for attracting major tech investments, including a $20 billion project from Amazon, Shapiro has now moved to address growing public concerns over rising electricity costs tied to data centers. He advocates for companies to cover their own energy expenses, aiming to prevent increased burdens on local businesses and homeowners. This pivot comes amid nationwide backlash against the environmental and economic impacts of large-scale tech infrastructure. Shapiro’s strategy reflects a broader political challenge: balancing the economic benefits of data center investments with public concerns over energy affordability. His efforts align with other Democratic governors like Arizona’s Katie Hobbs and New York’s Kathy Hochul, who are also implementing policies to hold developers accountable for costs. Shapiro emphasizes transparency and local community involvement in these projects, which have often been shrouded in secrecy. The political stakes are high as voters increasingly link rising electricity bills to data center expansion. Shapiro’s reputation for getting things done could be at risk if constituents associate higher energy costs with tech industry growth. Political science experts note that this issue could influence voter sentiment, particularly in swing states like Pennsylvania, where Shapiro is currently leading in polls. Shapiro’s early focus on AI and data centers was driven by economic opportunity, leveraging Pennsylvania’s strong manufacturing base and technological expertise. His team

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Originally published on Politico on 2/19/2026