Bill allowing 18-month moratoriums on data centers one step closer to law in PA
A Pennsylvania bill that would allow municipalities to enact 18-month moratoriums on data center projects is advancing through the state legislature with bipartisan support. The legislation aims to provide local governments with the necessary time to develop appropriate zoning and ordinances. It has passed the House and is now awaiting consideration by the full Senate.
A bill that would empower Pennsylvania municipalities to impose 18-month moratoriums on new data center applications is quickly progressing through the state legislature. The legislation, comprising Senate Bill 1345 sponsored by Sen. Jarrett Coleman and House Bill 2496 sponsored by Rep. Paul Friel, garnered strong bipartisan support and was recently advanced by the Pennsylvania Senate Local Government Committee.
Sen. Coleman highlighted constituents' daily concerns about data center projects, stating his bill "empowers local communities and gives them the breathing room they need to regulate these projects on their own terms." Senate Bill 1345 specifically permits municipalities to enact an optional 18-month pause on high-impact data center applications, while House Bill 2496 authorizes a 180-day pause.
The legislative efforts come as some local governments are already taking action. Franklin County, Pennsylvania, for instance, has updated its Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO) to include regulations for both small and hyperscale data centers, though officials noted outright bans are currently illegal under state law. In Washington County, Maryland, the County Board of Commissioners recently approved a 12-month moratorium on data centers within unincorporated territories, leveraging existing state law.
Sen. Dawn Keefer, chairwoman of the Senate Local Government Committee, emphasized the "data center-neutral approach" allows municipalities to "hit the pause button" to gather facts and make informed decisions, protecting residents while supporting thoughtful growth. Both bills passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives with significant bipartisan majorities and are now awaiting consideration by the full Senate. By amending the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, the legislation aims to equip communities with tools to plan responsibly amid increasing development pressures.