Our Opinion: Locally sponsored bills on data centers deserving of Senate passage

Two significant bills concerning data center regulation have successfully passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and are now advancing to the state Senate. Spearheaded by State Representative Kyle Mullins (D-112, Blakely), House Bill 2150, known as the "Data Center Energy and Water Reporting Act," mandates that data centers submit annual reports detailing their energy and water consumption, maximum daily demand, water sources, usage, and projected consumption for the upcoming year. This initiative aims to provide critical environmental data to communities and state agencies. Simultaneously, House Bill 2151, championed by State Representative Kyle Donahue (D-113, Scranton), seeks to equip municipalities with a model data center zoning ordinance. This template offers guidance on crucial policy aspects such as building size, noise and vibration limits, and water and electric use, specifically benefiting smaller communities lacking the expertise or resources to craft comprehensive zoning laws independently. While some community advocates have voiced concerns that the model ordinance could potentially override local zoning policies, the editorial emphasizes its role as an optional framework. Both pieces of legislation are framed as essential protections for citizens across the commonwealth in managing the proliferation of data centers. Despite anticipated scrutiny from the Republican-controlled Senate, the editorial from the Pottsville Republican Herald underscores their importance and calls for bipartisan support to ensure their passage into law.