Malone joins local leaders in call for data center moratorium vote
Democratic State Sen. James Malone is urging state lawmakers to return early from summer recess to vote on proposed data center moratorium bills. Speaking in West Hempfield Township, Malone called on residents to pressure Republican leaders to take immediate action on legislation that would allow municipalities to pause data center approvals for 180 days or 18 months.
Democratic State Sen. James Malone is advocating for the Pennsylvania Senate to reconvene immediately from its summer recess to vote on crucial data center moratorium bills. Senator Malone, addressing a press conference in West Hempfield Township, emphasized the importance of allowing local governments the option to temporarily halt data center approvals to update their regulations.
The East Petersburg legislator, flanked by local officials including West Hempfield Township Manager Andrew Stern, Manheim Township Board of Commissioners President Carol Gifford, and East Hempfield Township Board of Supervisors Vice Chairperson Carly Abbott, called on residents to contact Republican leaders. He urged them to pressure the Senate to advance one of two bipartisan moratorium bills.
One proposed bill would grant municipalities the power to implement a data center approval pause for up to 180 days, while the other offers an option for an 18-month moratorium. The push comes amidst growing concerns over data center development and the need for updated local regulations.