Pennsylvania Energy House Committee advances pair of bills to boost data center oversight

PENNSYLVANIA (WJAC) — Lawmakers in the Pennsylvania Energy House Committee advanced two bills on Monday, both aimed at increasing oversight of data centers. Although lawmakers say that data centers will be beneficial, they also discussed the need to keep an eye on the demands they will place on the power grid, water resources and communities. Thus, state lawmakers are taking action to hold data centers accountable for their energy usage, advancing both bills with a 14-12 vote. The first bill in discussion was House Bill 2150 which would require data centers to submit annual reports on their energy and water usage. Those in support of the bill say that this will help the Commonwealth understand how those data centers could impact electric rates and environmental resources. The other bill advanced was House Bill 2151 which will direct the Department of Community and Economic Development to develop a voluntary model zoning ordinance for those municipalities considering development of data centers. This would address water feasibility studies, documentation of water permits and proof of adequate electric services. FULL REPORT: https://wjactv.com/news/local/pa-energy-house-committee-advances-pair-of-bills-to-boost-data-center-oversight _______________ Stay up to date with our social media: WJAC on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WJACTV/ WJAC on Twitter: https://x.com/wjactv Subscribe to WJAC on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@wjactv4598?si=LD80zM5DgPUq4H1z For more information, visit https://wjactv.com/ Have a news tip? Send it directly to us: Email us: news@wjactv.com Call the Newsroom: 814.255.7650 WJAC is a PA based station and a NBC Television affiliate owned and operated by Sinclair Broadcast Group. #Pennsylvania #Johnstown #News #JohnstownNews #PennsylvaniaNews #PANews #LocalNews #WJAC #WJACTV #WJACNews #6News #NBC6News