Pennsylvania lawmaker introduces measure to prohibit foreign control of data centers

Pennsylvania State Senator Tracy Pennycuick (R-24) has introduced a comprehensive package of legislation, including Senate Bill 1442, designed to regulate data center development within the Commonwealth. The proposed measures aim to prohibit foreign control over what is deemed sensitive state data center infrastructure, recognizing data centers as a critical component of the modern economy supporting various digital services from smartphones to AI.

The legislative package also seeks to impose "bring your own generation" requirements for large data center projects. This provision is intended to protect Pennsylvania ratepayers from potential increases in electricity bills by ensuring that major developments address their own power needs. Furthermore, the legislation aims to tackle the significant water and energy demands associated with data centers and ensure that local residents have a voice in the development process. The initiative underscores a proactive approach by state lawmakers to manage the rapid expansion of data center infrastructure and its broader impacts on the state.