NABTU Applauds Shapiro's Principles for Responsible Data Center Growth

Governor Shapiro's Approach to Data Center Development Gains NABTU's Support

Efforts to balance technological advancement and community welfare have taken center stage as data centers become pivotal to the nation's digital infrastructure. In a recent statement, the President of North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU), Sean McGarvey, highlighted the importance of responsible data center development in strengthening America's digital economy.

“Data centers are critical infrastructure that underpin America’s digital economy, data security, and national security. NABTU supports the GRID principles outlined by Governor Josh Shapiro and applauds his reasonable, measured approach to responsible data center development. Community benefits, environmental safeguards, energy affordability, and family-sustaining construction careers are essential, and we do not have to choose among them. Governor Shapiro’s approach shows that clear standards, transparency, and accountability are the right and responsible way forward to ensure communities benefit, not the blanket moratoriums imposed in other states.”

McGarvey emphasized that responsible development should involve committed stakeholders from the outset. He advocates for meaningful community engagement and the expectation that data centers should independently invest in essential infrastructure upgrades, such as new power generation and water systems, without imposing financial burdens on local residents.

“Responsible development requires responsible actors and firm commitments from the start. It means meaningful community engagement and requiring data centers to invest in the new power generation, grid upgrades, and water infrastructure their projects require without shifting those costs onto working families. It means deploying the latest technology to conserve energy and water, planning early for workforce needs, establishing strong labor standards through project labor agreements, prioritizing local hiring, and utilizing rigorous, multi-year building trades Registered Apprenticeship programs that provide proven pathways to family-sustaining skilled trades careers.”

Looking forward, NABTU intends to collaborate with Governor Shapiro and other proactive leaders to foster skilled labor and strengthen community benefits through these infrastructure projects. The union aims to ensure that construction careers remain viable and accessible, contributing to the nation's competitiveness on a global scale.

“NABTU and our affiliates look forward to working with Governor Shapiro, other forward-thinking elected officials, and responsible developers to strengthen communities and America’s skilled trades workforce and responsibly build the critical infrastructure our nation needs to remain globally competitive.”

About NABTU

North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU) is a coalition of 14 national and international unions within the construction sector, representing over 3.2 million skilled professionals across the U.S. and Canada. Annually, NABTU, alongside its contractor partners, invests more than $3 billion to fund and operate over 1,900 apprenticeship and education facilities, ensuring the production of highly trained and efficient skilled workers. Their mission focuses on securing economic stability and job opportunities for construction workers, upholding wage and benefit standards, and promoting responsible capital investment. Moreover, NABTU is committed to expanding career opportunities to diverse groups, including women, minorities, Indigenous people, veterans, and those with justice system involvement. For further details, visit nabtu.org.