Data centers drive fiery Dem. primary debate between Flynn, Lake

The Democratic primary debate for Pennsylvania's 22nd state Senate District between incumbent Sen. Marty Flynn and political newcomer Jeffrey Lake was dominated by the contentious issue of data center development. Lake, a mental health and wellness counselor, accused Flynn of supporting "an invasion of data centers" and advocated for a three-year moratorium on their development. Flynn, while rejecting Lake's broad criticism, acknowledged the need for local control over data center projects and expressed openness to a shorter moratorium of 180 days to a year. He highlighted his support for several legislative proposals passed by the Democratic-controlled state House: House Bill 2150, which mandates annual reporting on data center water and energy consumption; House Bill 2151, which establishes an optional model data center zoning ordinance for municipalities; and House Bill 1834, which aims to regulate data centers and prevent electric distribution companies from passing interconnection costs onto customers. Flynn is also introducing a companion bill to HB 1834 in the Senate. Lake criticized Flynn for initially co-sponsoring Senate Bill 939, which sought to fast-track data center permitting and limit local zoning. Flynn later removed himself as a co-sponsor, stating he would oppose it unless language infringing on local control was removed. The debate underscored the pronounced bipartisan opposition to widespread data center development within the district, with the primary election scheduled for May 19.