Chester County state office candidates share their thoughts on data centers
Candidates for Pennsylvania state office in Chester County expressed concerns about the effects of large data centers on farmland, water supplies, electricity costs, local infrastructure and municipal authority. Several candidates backed proposed legislation, including a statewide pause on hyperscale data center development and measures requiring developers to cover infrastructure costs and comply with local regulations.
Candidates in multiple Chester County state legislative races described hyperscale data centers as a major land-use, environmental and economic issue. Incumbents and challengers from both parties raised concerns about electricity demand, water consumption, farmland conversion, utility costs, noise, eminent domain and the ability of local governments to control development. Some candidates said no current proposals are pending in their districts, while others cited residents’ opposition to potential projects in areas such as East Whiteland, Upper Merion and King of Prussia.
State Rep. Paul Friel said House Bill 2496, which passed the House, would give municipalities a six-month pause to update zoning ordinances before deciding on data center projects. State Sen. Katie Muth proposed Senate Bill 1359, which would impose a three-year statewide moratorium on new hyperscale data centers and related power infrastructure. Other candidates supported measures involving ratepayer protections, water and energy reporting, local zoning authority, environmental safeguards and requiring developers to pay for the infrastructure they use.