Coleman to Introduce Bills Addressing Constituent Concerns on Data Centers and Cost of Living

HARRISBURG, PA – Following a telephone town hall where over 4,000 residents expressed concerns, Senator Jarrett Coleman (R-16) is set to introduce two legislative bills addressing data centers and the cost of living in Pennsylvania. Senator Coleman stated that these bills are a direct result of constituent feedback regarding data center construction and rising gas prices. The first proposed bill aims to repeal the 2021 state Computer Data Center Equipment Exemption program. This program currently offers sales and use tax exemptions on computer equipment for certified data centers, serving as an incentive for their development in Pennsylvania. The revenue generated from repealing this exemption would be directed to the Motor License Fund, specifically to reduce the Oil Company Franchise Tax, which significantly impacts gas and diesel prices in the state. The second bill would empower municipalities by giving them the option to place a moratorium on data center applications. This would allow local governments time to review and revise their zoning ordinances and establish conditional use policies. The goal is to address local impacts such as power supply, water consumption, noise, and setbacks, which municipalities currently struggle to regulate effectively given the rapid influx of data center development interest.