Across northeast Pennsylvania, people are deeply concerned about the rapid push for large-scale data center development in our communities. I share those concerns, which is why I joined in supporting a moratorium on data center development in Pennsylvania until we have strong laws in place to empower and protect residents and local communities.
The issue of data centers has moved incredibly fast. In fact, it often seems like decisions are moving faster than the facts.
The message I’m hearing – from people at municipal meetings, constituents calling my offices and on social media – is simple: People are not against progress, but they have serious, reasonable questions deserving real answers before decisions are made that could permanently impact their neighborhoods, infrastructure and quality of life.
I understand why people are frustrated. I am, too.
We are all worried about increased strain on our electric grid, rising utility costs, environmental impacts, traffic, noise and whether local infrastructure can truly support these projects. Residents are trying to navigate highly technical proposals while local officials are being asked to make decisions with limited state guidance and few existing safeguards.
That’s not fair to taxpayers, municipalities or families who simply want confidence knowing growth is happening responsibly for both the short- and long-term. That is why I took action earlier this year to stand up for residents and communities.
In February, I introduced my “Residents First” legislative package to address data center development along with supporting a moratorium.
My package takes a commonsense approach focused on transparency, accountability and local input. It would require early pre-application meetings between developers and municipalities, ensure projects are located appropriately in industrially zoned areas, require independent analysis of water usage and infrastructure impacts, and study the long-term viability and costs associated with these facilities.
Recently, Gov. Josh Shapiro finally joined our grassroots effort to implement statewide standards and — he claims — establish guardrails for data center development. The governor’s proposal is important because it reflects a growing consensus that stronger oversight is needed as this industry expands.
But it doesn’t go nearly far enough.
Too much of the governor’s plan – including the so-called “GRID certification” – requires voluntary participation by data center developers and is mostly tied to state support and incentives. It does not prevent uncertified projects from moving forward. It does not establish consistent statewide enforcement or zoning protections for local communities.
It’s just too little. At this point, we cannot afford to be reactive. We must be proactive.
That’s why I continue to support a moratorium on large-scale data center development until stronger statewide standards, enforceable protections and meaningful local safeguards are fully in place. This isn’t about stopping economic development. It’s about ensuring Pennsylvania gets this right. It’s about ensuring a positive future for our local communities.
My “Residents First” legislative package close gaps that voluntary standards alone cannot address. Real trust and fairness require both statewide accountability and strong local input before any data center permits are approved.
None of these proposals are extreme. They reflect what residents have consistently asked for: More information, more transparency and more local control.
I recognize that data centers could provide economic opportunities and may play an important role in the future of technology. But economic development cannot come at the expense of the very communities we are elected to protect.
Pennsylvania communities should never be forced to choose between growth and quality of life.
The people I represent are not asking for special treatment. They’re asking for responsible government. They want to know whether their water supply will remain reliable. They want assurances that energy costs will not skyrocket for working families and small businesses. They want their local voices to be heard before large-scale industrial development moves forward.
I’ve heard their messages loud and clear.
I will always put residents first – not special interests, not outside developers and not political pressure to rush decisions before we fully understand the consequences. I will push for a moratorium and strong laws that protect residents and empower local communities.
And I’ll do it because it’s the right thing to do. Because we won’t get a second chance to do this right.
