Seeking Action on Data Center Legislation

September 4, 2026

In our districts, we have watched our constituents contend with the uncertainty, lack of transparency and existential risks to their communities posed by rapid, unchecked data center expansion. This sudden trend leaves our townships and boroughs unprepared and under-equipped to enact vital safeguards to protect their residents from impacts regarding property values, utility rates, noise and light pollution, and water consumption. 

The rush to develop these facilities where the impacts are uncertain makes a strong moratorium on data center projects not only convenient, but necessary for the Commonwealth and local communities to craft meaningful protections for their residents and give them deserved influence over their communities.

This year, the House has acted to address some of these concerns with the passage of House Bills 2496, 2198, and 2359. On Sept. 28, the Senate returns to session. With its return, the Senate has an opportunity to send these bills, which would ensure transparency, protect utility ratepayers and give local communities vital tools, to the governor’s desk for his signature.

House Bill 2359 would strengthen transparency in the development process by ensuring public access to information about construction, development and location. The bill does so by revoking equipment tax benefits on newly certified data centers with an energy consumption of over 10 megawatts if they enter into agreements with government agencies that bar them from disclosing this important information to the public.

House Bill 2198 abolishes the sweetheart deal that data centers currently enjoy of being fully exempt from Pennsylvania’s Sales and Use Tax. 

House Bill 2496 gives municipal leaders the ability to enact a six-month moratorium on data center project applications, which was improved with the unanimous passage of an amendment by each of us. Amendment A03801 (by Rep. Pugh) closed a potential loophole by clarifying that no provision in the underlying bill may be interpreted to limit the authority that municipalities currently have over local land-use and zoning decisions, including the rights to adopt safeguards and/or deny data center applications that do not comply with local ordinances. Amendment A03862 (by Rep. Walsh) provides clarity to local leaders by preserving the right to utilize the existing six-month curative amendment process under the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code consecutively to the underlying moratorium if more time is necessary.

These bills each address the unique and evolving risks that come with hasty data center construction projects, and by passing them upon return to session on Sept. 28, the Senate has the power to give Pennsylvanians the vital lifelines of mandating transparency, removing special treatment, and giving our townships and boroughs a tool that may just save their futures for coming generations. 

The Senate also has an opportunity to lead by considering Senate Bill 1345 by Sen. Jarrett Coleman. This legislation would squarely address high-impact data centers - those with critical IT load/consumption of at least 25 megawatts - by allowing townships and boroughs to enact an 18-month moratorium on applications.

This bill would grant much-needed breathing room to our local officials who are tasked with responsibly handling applications for construction of the most demanding facilities at a rapid pace, likely to affect generations of residents.

We urge the Senate to swiftly bring House Bills 2198, 2359, and 2496 up for a vote and pass them upon return to session on Sept. 28. We further hope to see the Senate pass Senate Bill 1345, send it to our chamber and provide the protection that the future of our townships and boroughs may, and even likely, depend on. 

We hope to see constituents in both of our districts remain vigilant to the actions of the Senate later this month and make their voices heard on these issues. 

Constituents who would like to contact their state representative and/or state senator can do so by going palegis.us/find-my-legislator to check their district and find the necessary information.



Representative Jamie Walsh
117th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Tricia Lehman
717.772.9840
tlehman@pahousegop.com


Representative Brenda Pugh
120th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Melissa Fox
717.260.6522
mefox@pahousegop.com