Pennsylvania House Votes to Deny Data Centers Utility Status
The Pennsylvania House voted 202-1 to prohibit data centers from obtaining public utility status, which could otherwise give private developers eminent domain powers and allow them to bypass local zoning restrictions. House Bill 2674 now advances to the state Senate for consideration.
The Pennsylvania House of Representatives approved House Bill 2674 by a 202-1 vote, advancing legislation that would prevent data centers from qualifying as public utilities. Sponsored by state Rep. Chris Pielli, the bill is intended to stop private data center developers from using public utility powers to acquire property, obtain rights-of-way or override municipal land-use decisions.
The measure comes amid expanding data center activity in Pennsylvania and concerns about local control and infrastructure demands. It must still pass the Pennsylvania Senate before becoming law; its provisions address public utility status and eminent domain authority rather than directly regulating data center electricity use or construction.