In 135th, 14-term Democrat faces Republican who ran for Bethlehem City Council
Pennsylvania state Rep. Steve Samuelson and Republican challenger Joseph Poplawski discussed data center policy in their race for the 135th District. Samuelson supports a 180-day moratorium and additional regulations, while Poplawski opposes data center development and favors stricter environmental, energy and community requirements.
Incumbent state Rep. Steve Samuelson and Republican challenger Joseph Poplawski outlined sharply different positions on data center development during their campaign for Pennsylvania's 135th District, which includes part of Bethlehem and Hanover Township. Samuelson said he voted for a bill establishing a 180-day moratorium to give municipalities time to reassess planning and zoning, backed repealing a sales-tax exemption for data center equipment, and supports additional state requirements.
Poplawski said he opposes data center development and supports efforts to stop it, arguing that tax incentives should instead benefit manufacturers. He called for minimum commitments involving energy costs, community engagement, sustainable jobs and environmental standards, as well as disclosure of data center activities and their beneficiaries. The article does not report a final legislative outcome for the proposed moratorium or other data center measures.