Pa. House of Representatives advances 2 bills aiming to increase transparency, regulation of data centers

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives has passed two bills, H.B. 2150 and H.B. 2151, designed to enhance the transparency and regulation of data centers within the state. Sponsored by Rep. Kyle Mullins (D-Lackawanna County), House Bill 2150 mandates annual energy and water reporting requirements for data centers and calls for a joint annual report from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission on the industry's resource impact. Mullins emphasized the need for "complete and total openness" to address the "speculative gold rush" in data center development. House Bill 2151, introduced by Rep. Kyle Donahue (D-Lackawanna County), requires the Local Government Commission to develop an optional model ordinance. This framework would assist municipalities in regulating data centers, particularly concerning issues like noise, facility size, and water consumption, helping communities that lack the resources to create their own guidelines. Donahue stated that these resources would help ensure responsible placement and operation of data centers without compromising residents' quality of life. Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler (D-Philadelphia), chair of the House Energy Committee, highlighted the bipartisan support for these bills, expressing hope that the Pennsylvania State Senate would also pass these "critical protections." Both bills have now moved on to the Senate for further consideration.