Pa. House bill would make data centers pay seniors’ property tax bills
A legislative proposal in Pennsylvania would require data center developers to pay the property taxes of residents over 65 living near their facilities. State Representative Joshua Kail is leading this effort, citing energy demands, placement, and local government agreements as key issues surrounding data centers. The proposal aims to provide property tax relief for senior citizens in the commonwealth.
State Representative Joshua Kail, a Republican representing parts of Beaver and Washington counties in Pennsylvania, has introduced a legislative proposal that would mandate data center developers to cover the property taxes for residents over the age of 65 who live near their facilities. The proposal, detailed in a June 24 memo, aims to address the growing impact of data centers on local communities, particularly regarding energy demands and land use.
Kail emphasized that his initiative seeks to support local communities by ensuring data center developers contribute directly to the well-being of older residents. This move comes as Pennsylvania's over-65 population is rapidly increasing, with approximately 2.8 million residents in this age group, representing a 13% rise since 2020.
Beyond this specific tax relief, Kail's memo is part of a broader legislative push to regulate data centers in Pennsylvania. Other related proposals include defining data centers within the state's Municipalities Planning Code, prohibiting their construction on farmland, establishing a new state office to oversee local land-use laws concerning data centers, and mandating community benefit agreements to mitigate impacts like rising electricity prices. Kail expects his proposal to become an official bill within weeks.