The Pennsylvania House has passed four bipartisan bills to regulate data centers, covering energy and water usage disclosure, utility cost protections, clean energy requirements, and a model ordinance framework for townships — but the measures face an uncertain future in the Republican-controlled Senate, where Majority Leader Joe Pittman prefers a broader, more holistic approach rather than individual bills. Meanwhile, Gov. Shapiro has pursued voluntary incentives like expedited permitting for environmentally compliant centers, and the Public Utility Commission has approved a framework requiring data centers to cover infrastructure upgrade costs — though neither is legally enforceable. Environmental advocates largely support the House legislation as necessary community protections, while the Data Center Coalition opposes it, arguing the bills single out the industry unfairly and could deter future development in Pennsylvania. Read more from Spotlight PA.
Source: Spotlight PA; 5/18/2026