FALLS TOWNSHIP, PA — Governor Josh Shapiro and Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary Jessica Shirley recently showcased Pennsylvania’s revamped permitting playbook at the Keystone Trade Center, linking the changes to Amazon Web Services’ initial $20 billion plan to build cloud and AI campuses statewide, including a site in Bucks County expected to support at least 1,250 high-paying jobs and thousands more across construction and suppliers.
“My Administration is proving that government can work at the speed of business — and that when we work together, we can bring game-changing projects like this Amazon data center campus to Pennsylvania,” said Governor Shapiro. “From modernizing our permitting processes to investing in workforce development, we’re creating real opportunity for Pennsylvania workers and families — and ensuring the future of AI and innovation runs right through the Commonwealth.”
Officials said the state’s PA Permit Fast Track Program and coordinated case management through the Office of Transformation and Opportunity helped compress timelines: an air-quality permit was completed in under four months (vs. six), while a key erosion and sediment control permit is slated for review by mid-October — about 2½ months ahead of standard timing. The administration also highlighted PAyback, which refunds fees if agencies miss firm decision deadlines; DEP reports over 68,000 permits issued with zero refunds…