Framing Analysis
Census Bureau data released Tuesday showed data center construction spending at an annualized rate above $75 billion in July, with AI-related shell construction rising nearly 60 percent from July 2025 levels. The figures cover only structural shells, estimated at 20 percent of total project costs. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro signed an August 18 executive order requiring compliance with GRID standards and removing AI data centers from fast-track approvals.