Government Relations Update

August 20, 2026

In The News


Governor Signs Executive Order To Ensure Potential Data Center Projects Follow Local Requirements


Governor Shapiro Signs Executive Order Demanding Data Center Developers Comply with Strict Requirements and Blocking Speculative, Irresponsible Data Center Projects

 

Executive Order 2026-05 – Protecting Pennsylvania Consumers from Data Center Impacts

 

What Others Are Saying . . .


Governor Shapiro’s Remarks as Prepared for Delivery at the Signing Ceremony for an Executive Order on Data Center Development in Pennsylvania


Democrat Brandon Dukes wins House seat in Butler by less than 100 votes over Republican Scott Timko


Shapiro signs order to control data center growth in Pennsylvania


Gov. Shapiro Places Conditions on Data Center Permit Review


What People Are Saying About Governor Shapiro’s Action Demanding Data Center Developers Comply with Strict Requirements and Blocking Speculative, Irresponsible Data Center Projects


Senator Malone Applauds Governor Shapiro’s Executive Action on Data Centers, Demands Senate Leadership Follow Suit

 

Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa Supports Governor Shapiro’s Executive Order to Implement Guardrails and Accountability Measures on Data Center Development

 

Senator Collett Applauds Governor Shapiro’s Restrictions on Data Center Development

 

Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman: Responsible and Transparent Data Center Policies

 

Heffley: Executive Order Restricting Data Centers a Step in the Right Direction; More Must Be Done

 

House Democratic Leadership Commends Gov. Shapiro Action on Data Centers

 

Ciresi applauds Shapiro’s executive order on data centers, prohibition on NDAs


Other News


Court upholds US rule designating PFAS chemicals as 'hazardous' 


Trump Administration Announces $10.8 Million in Available Grant Funding to Strengthen Water Sector Workforce

 

Learn more about the Innovative Water Infrastructure Workforce Development Grant program


Pennsylvania rivers and streams regularly test positive for harmful bacteria



What is permeable pavement and how are municipalities using it?


Grant Opportunities

Municipal Recycling Program Performance Grant


The Department of Environmental Protection announces a request for applications from municipalities for recycling performance grant assistance for recycling programs under section 904 of the Municipal Waste Planning, Recycling and Waste Reduction Act of 1988 (Act 101) (53 P.S. § 4000.904). Municipalities include counties, cities, boroughs, incorporated towns, townships, home rule municipalities, their authorities, councils of governments, consortiums or similar entities established by two or more municipalities under 53 Pa.C.S. Chapter 23 Subchapter A (relating to intergovernmental cooperation). This application period is for eligible materials recycled and marketed in Calendar Year 2025.


Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Lead Service Line Replacement Grant Program; Amended Federal Fiscal Year 2026 Intended Use Plan; Available for Public Comment

 

PENNVEST and DEP have amended the Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2026 Intended Use Plan (IUP) for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF). The amendments of the FFY 2026 DWSRF IUP focus on the Lead Service Line (LSL) Replacement grant.


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The IUP provides detailed information on the Commonwealth's intended implementation of the DWSRF program, including a list of drinking water and pollution abatement projects to be considered for a design and engineering or construction loan or grant from funds the Commonwealth receives from the United States EPA. The DWSRF program includes the Base Grant funds as well as supplemental grant funds made available through the FFY 2026 Federal appropriation, under the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C. §§ 300f—300j-27) including appropriate State match funds and principal, interest and investment income. This notice is for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) LSL Replacement grant only. Click here for more information.

 

Comments may be submitted on the narrative portion of the amended IUP, the PPL and the DWSRF set-aside work plan to the Department through Monday, August 31, 2026. Commentators must submit comments using the Department's eComment online tool at https://www.ahs.dep.pa.gov/eComment/

 

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