Allentown Democratic Primary Candidates Discuss Data Center Regulation, Zoning, and Moratoriums

The article covers the Democratic primary election for Pennsylvania's 22nd House District between incumbent Ana Tiburcio and Allentown City Council member Ce-Ce Gerlach. The district encompasses East Allentown, parts of Center City Allentown, and three wards in eastern Salisbury Township. Both candidates, with established political backgrounds in the Lehigh Valley, are vying for the seat, which became vacant when former representative Josh Siegel became Lehigh County executive. A key point of discussion during their campaigns has been the regulation of data centers. Ce-Ce Gerlach advocates for strong regulation, suggesting municipalities utilize local zoning for control and support legislation for moratoriums on data center construction until proper ordinances are in place. She warned that unregulated data centers could harm ecosystems and increase utility costs for residents. Ana Tiburcio has supported four House bills aimed at regulating data centers. These include HB1834, which would grant the Public Utility Commission authority over data centers and prevent them from passing electricity costs to consumers; HB2150, requiring transparency on water and energy usage; HB2151, designed to assist local governments in establishing zoning requirements; and HB2246, empowering the state to permit or deny data center projects based on water usage. The article also touches on their stances on education funding, housing, and immigration policies.