Data center bill passes House, but with dissent

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives on Tuesday passed legislation, by a vote of 104-95, intended to establish a regulatory framework for data center development within the state. The bill's stated purpose is to protect residents and businesses who are ratepayers for electric and water services from potential cost increases driven by the demands of data centers. The passage reflects the expectation that data center expansion will continue in Pennsylvania. The legislation seeks to proactively address the impact of such development on utility costs for the general public.