As Tech Groups Predict Huge Pennsylvania Data-Center Growth, Critics Say Some Bills Would Reduce Local Control

Pennsylvania is poised for substantial data center growth, with local tech groups predicting a 4,000 percent capacity increase in the next decade, according to a report by the Pittsburgh Technology Council and the Philadelphia Alliance for Capital and Technologies. This growth, fueled by the state's position as a major electricity exporter and natural gas producer, is expected to attract significant development, with over 50 data centers currently planned or under construction. However, this expansion is sparking concerns and legislative debate. Data & Society, a nonprofit, issued a policy brief warning that several proposed state bills, including HB 502 (part of Gov. Josh Shapiro's "Lightning Plan"), SB 939, and SB 991, would weaken local authority over major industrial facility siting decisions. These bills aim to streamline permitting or establish statewide regulatory frameworks, which critics argue would override diverse local needs. Environmentalists and residents are pushing back, citing concerns about climate change, local water supplies, and rising residential electric bills. Montour County commissioners, for example, recently rejected a rezoning plan by Talen Energy and Amazon for a data center. In response to public outrage, State Senator Katie Muth announced plans to introduce a bill for a three-year moratorium on data center development, aiming to provide local governments time to assess the impacts on their communities. This proposal has garnered unexpected bipartisan support.