The lack of urgency for data center regulation frustrates local lawmakers
Pennsylvania state lawmakers failed to finalize legislation before summer recess that would have granted municipalities a six-month moratorium on data center development. This failure frustrates local officials, particularly given public concerns over a proposed data center in Middlesex Township, Cumberland County, and its potential strain on electricity and water resources.
Pennsylvania lawmakers adjourned for their summer recess without passing critical legislation that would have allowed municipalities to enact a six-month moratorium on data center development. This stalled effort leaves local governments without additional time to update their zoning and land development ordinances in response to growing concerns.
The proposed legislation was championed by PA Representative Rob Kauffman, who expressed his frustration, stating that "the big dogs, the powers that be in Harrisburg, both the House, Senate, and the administration, don’t really want to address this issue." The bill had passed the House, and similar legislation had cleared the Senate, but a final agreement could not be reached.
Public concern has been mounting, especially around a proposed data center in Middlesex Township, Cumberland County, which Representative Kauffman highlighted as a "huge drain on the system" due to its massive electricity and water demands. While Franklin County municipalities, which are outside Kauffman's direct district, have not yet seen direct data center applications, they are proactively updating their Subdivision and Land Development Ordinances (SALDO) in preparation. Kauffman lamented that the failure to complete the state-level legislation means municipalities lost a valuable opportunity to make timely regulatory changes.