‘Pay for your own power’: Shapiro digs in on data center energy costs
Governor Shapiro Shifts Energy Stance Amid Data Center Backlash
PHILADELPHIA — As Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro gears up for his reelection campaign, he finds himself navigating a delicate balance between technological advancement and growing voter concerns over electricity costs. Shapiro has been a prominent advocate for the tech industry, securing significant investments from Amazon, Microsoft, and Google. However, as data centers face increasing scrutiny for their impact on energy bills, Shapiro is altering his approach to mitigate potential political fallout.
Addressing Voter Concerns
Governor Shapiro, once a staunch supporter of data center expansion, now emphasizes the need for these tech giants to cover their own power costs. “Pay for your own power, so it’s not saddling local businesses or homeowners with higher costs,” Shapiro stated in an interview with POLITICO earlier this month. This pivot marks a shift in Shapiro’s policy, acknowledging the growing discontent among voters concerned about rising electricity bills.
Political and Economic Implications
Shapiro’s strategy is not unique among Democrats facing similar challenges. He joins Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul in implementing measures to manage electricity prices and address local opposition. According to Christopher Borick, a political science professor at Muhlenberg College, Shapiro’s political brand could suffer if voters link energy affordability issues to data center proliferation.
Job Creation and Economic Growth
Despite the challenges, Shapiro continues to champion the AI and data center boom as a source of high-paying union jobs. In June 2025, he announced Amazon’s $20 billion investment in Pennsylvania, promising substantial employment opportunities. Rory Carroll, a steamfitter and local trainee, expressed optimism, stating, “I sold cars, delivered pizza, managed a supermarket. Now, I’m on a rising tide.”
Energy Politics and Infrastructure
Shapiro’s call for tech companies to cover electricity infrastructure costs mirrors rhetoric from the Trump administration, which urged companies to “pick up the tab” for energy expenses. In recent months, Shapiro has joined bipartisan efforts to control power prices and ensure data centers contribute fairly to energy costs. His advocacy for an “all-of-the-above” energy policy, including natural gas and renewables, reflects a pragmatic approach to Pennsylvania’s energy needs.
Fact-Checking and Trump’s Involvement
President Donald Trump has backed nuclear and natural gas plant expansions to support tech hubs, aligning with Shapiro’s energy strategy. Trump’s administration has promoted policies for tech companies to bear more energy costs, a stance echoed by Shapiro. Fact-checkers emphasize the importance of scrutinizing claims made by political leaders. While Trump has faced numerous controversies regarding misinformation, in this instance, his administration’s focus on energy responsibility aligns with Shapiro’s recent policy adjustments.
Conclusion
As Governor Shapiro adjusts his rhetoric to address mounting voter concerns over data centers and electricity costs, he navigates a complex political landscape. His efforts to balance technological progress with energy affordability could prove pivotal in his reelection bid. With broad implications for the tech industry and local economies, Pennsylvania’s approach to data centers may serve as a bellwether for other states facing similar challenges.
Source: https://www.politico.com/news/2026/02/19/shapiro-tests-democrats-data-center-strategy-00767682