Pennsylvania House Backs Study of Data Center Closure Costs
The Pennsylvania House unanimously approved a resolution directing a statewide study of the costs and liabilities associated with closing retired data centers. The study will examine environmental and fiscal impacts, existing financial-assurance rules, and potential safeguards for municipalities, but does not impose requirements on developers.
The Pennsylvania House voted 203-0 on Oct. 20 to adopt House Resolution 630, sponsored by Rep. Christina Sappey, D-Chester. The measure directs the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to study data-center decommissioning expenses, site restoration, existing state and municipal requirements, and cases where parties other than facility owners paid closure costs. The committee is expected to issue findings and legislative recommendations by about April 20, 2027.
The resolution does not require Senate or gubernatorial approval, suspend construction, or mandate bonds or other financial guarantees for data-center operators. Sappey said Pennsylvania lacks uniform end-of-life standards, leaving municipalities financially and physically vulnerable. The study is particularly relevant to Chester County communities weighing data-center proposals and local zoning rules. A separate bill passed by the House would require operators to provide local fire officials with updated facility plans and inventories, but that legislation has not yet become law.