Pennsylvania State Senator Discusses Data Center Moratorium
State Sen. Rosemarie Brown is criticizing Gov. Josh Shapiro for not implementing stronger regulations on data centers, suggesting a moratorium similar to New York's. The article highlights that only the state legislature, not the governor, can enact a moratorium in Pennsylvania. Senator Brown is campaigning on introducing a moratorium bill, but it has not advanced in the Republican-controlled Senate.
State Sen. Rosemarie Brown (PA-40), currently seeking re-election, has criticized Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro for his perceived inaction in implementing stricter regulations on data centers. Senator Brown suggested that a data center moratorium, akin to the one enacted by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, is a viable option for Pennsylvania.
The article, however, highlights that the Pennsylvania Constitution's Article 1, Section 12, mandates that only the state legislature holds the authority to suspend laws, including the enactment of a moratorium. The author implies that Senator Brown may be misinforming constituents by suggesting the governor is solely responsible or complicit with data center developers.
Senator Brown is reportedly campaigning on introducing a bill to establish a moratorium, but this legislation has not progressed within the Republican-controlled Senate. The author urges voters in PA-40 to thoroughly scrutinize her comments on data centers and other campaign issues before the election.