Pennsylvania Lawmakers Advance Bills on Data Center Construction Guidelines

Pennsylvania lawmakers have advanced bills aimed at increasing oversight and transparency around the rapid expansion of data centers in the state. The proposed measures would require large data centers to report their annual energy and water usage, and create a model local law that municipalities could adopt to guide where and how such facilities are built. The bills were approved along party lines by the Democratic-controlled House Energy Committee and now move further into the legislative process. Supporters say the legislation is intended to ensure communities understand the potential impacts of data centers before projects move forward, given the facilities' high demand for electricity and water. However, some Republican lawmakers expressed concerns that the requirements could make the state less attractive to tech companies. The rapid growth of data centers across the US has raised concerns about their strain on energy infrastructure and local communities. The proposed Pennsylvania legislation is part of a broader effort to balance the economic benefits of data centers with environmental and community protections.