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Pennsylvania House Passes Model Ordinance to Speed Data Center Development — Critics Say It Undermines Local Control
PA
Data Centers / Zoning
April 14, 2026
Source: Targeted News Service (Food & Water Watch)
The Pennsylvania House passed HB2151, a bill backed by Gov. Josh Shapiro that would provide municipalities with a model data center zoning ordinance intended to speed development. Over 20 hyperscale data centers have been proposed in Pennsylvania, with many stalled by local zoning constraints. The bill now goes to the Senate.
Food & Water Watch warns that even though municipalities wouldn't be required to adopt the model ordinance, it could be cited in zoning disputes as evidence of what courts or zoning boards consider “reasonable” — effectively shifting the legal landscape in zoning appeals even without a mandate.
Communities across Pennsylvania have been stopping data center projects at the municipal level, citing concerns about electricity costs, water use, land use changes, and limited job creation. State Sen. Katie Muth has announced plans to introduce a three-year statewide moratorium later this year.
Community Takeaway
This is a direct tension between state-level efforts to attract data center investment and local governments asserting zoning authority. Pennsylvania municipalities should note that even a non-mandatory model ordinance can shift the legal landscape — if courts or zoning boards start treating the state model as the benchmark for “reasonable,” communities with stricter rules may face an uphill battle defending them. In Pennsylvania, zoning authority currently rests with municipalities, but this bill could change the effective power balance. Communities in other states should watch for similar “model ordinance” approaches — they're a softer form of preemption that can be just as effective.
Source: Targeted News Service (Food & Water Watch), April 14, 2026.