Pa. lawmakers advance bill to help towns set guidelines on data center construction

The Pennsylvania state House is advancing measures to address the impact of new data centers. One bill would require data centers to report their water and energy use, while the other would create a model law for towns to set guidelines on data center construction. The bills passed the Democratic-controlled House Energy Committee, with Democrats arguing for transparency and protections for residents, while Republicans warned the legislation could make Pennsylvania less competitive in attracting data centers. The massive computing facilities are driving up electricity demand and prices, and stirring controversy in host communities concerned about noise and pollution. The state's grid operator, PJM, says data centers account for nearly all projected demand growth, prompting efforts in Harrisburg to ensure their impact doesn't hurt ordinary people.