Pa. lawmakers approve school cell phone ban but punt on skill games, data centers
Pennsylvania lawmakers ended the legislative session without passing legislation addressing data center development or a proposed moratorium. Community opposition to large AI-focused data centers was widespread, but partisan disagreements and pressure from special interests prevented any data center-related bill from reaching Gov. Josh Shapiro.
The Pennsylvania General Assembly concluded its 2025-26 session without acting on several data center bills, including proposals for moratoriums on new development. The measures were discussed amid widespread community opposition to massive server facilities intended to support artificial intelligence, but none advanced to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s desk.
Food & Water Watch senior organizer Ginny Marcille-Kerslake said residents want lawmakers to enact a three-year moratorium proposed by Sen. Katie Muth of Chester County. The failure to act was one of several major legislative issues left unresolved as lawmakers instead approved a statewide student cellphone policy and set aside debates over skill games and felony-murder sentencing.