A Data & Society policy brief identified several Pennsylvania bills that would reduce municipal authority over data center siting: HB 502 (part of Gov. Josh Shapiro's “Lightning Plan,” creating a statewide board for large energy project approvals), SB 939 (a Republican-led “sandbox” for statewide data center regulation), and SB 991 (faster permits for developers meeting federal environmental standards). All remain in committee.
Meanwhile, a Pittsburgh Technology Council report projected Pennsylvania's data center capacity will grow from 186 megawatts today to over 7,196 megawatts by 2036 — enough to power roughly 5.4 million homes — supporting an estimated 19,400 jobs. More than 50 data centers are currently planned or under construction statewide. Residential electric bills have already risen in anticipation of new data center demand.
In February, Montour County commissioners rejected a Talen Energy/Amazon rezoning request, demonstrating that local control still matters. State Sen. Katie Muth said she is introducing a three-year moratorium bill with four co-sponsors, including two Republicans.
This follows the PA House passing a model data center zoning ordinance two days earlier — another approach to streamlining development that critics say could undermine local authority.