LACKAWANNA COUNTY – As large-scale data center development proposals increasingly target Northeast Pennsylvania, Sen. Rosemary M. Brown (R-40) continues leading efforts to provide answers and clarity for constituents and local governments. Following multiple hearings, conversations with hundreds of impacted residents, industry representatives, utility providers, and state and local officials, Brown said many important questions remain.
“During the past several months, our region has increasingly been targeted for large-scale data center development,” Brown said. “While Pennsylvania law grants final land use authority to local governments, I believe state-level legislative action is appropriate to protect the interests of our communities.”
Several months ago, Brown introduced legislation establishing pre-application requirements for data center developers to ensure transparency and accountability before a project can formally begin. Last week, she announced three additional proposals to complete what she is calling a comprehensive “Residents First” legislative package. Additionally, Brown has signed on as a co-sponsor of legislation that would establish a moratorium on data center developments in Pennsylvania.
“I have listened carefully to concerns about water usage, utility capacity, zoning protections, and the long-term viability of this rapidly evolving technology,” Brown said. “This package is designed to answer the important questions residents and I share and to provide the much-needed clarity the people I serve deserve regarding any proposed data center development. I have said since the beginning of this issue that everyone should be focused on doing things right. For that reason, I support a temporary moratorium.”
In addition to Brown supporting the moratorium, Brown’s “Residents First” legislative package would:
- Require data center developers to provide “will-serve” letters confirming utilities can handle a project at full build-out before a formal application is submitted.
- Limit large-scale data center development to zoned industrial areas.
- Mandate an independent, third-party water impact study and analysis at least 30 days prior to any formal application and require long-term follow-up.
- Direct the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee (LBFC) to study emerging data storage technology and evaluate its long-term viability, including whether current technology may become obsolete and whether emerging alternatives may reduce environmental and resource impacts.
“As I have talked with residents and local officials, and attended community meetings and hearings, there are still too many unknowns at this time to rush forward. That is why I am supporting this moratorium – to give us the time to learn more and move forward responsibly. That is the mission of my four-point legislative package. As we learn more, more steps may need to be taken, and I am ready to do so. But today, our top priority must be protecting our communities from unintended consequences from moving too quickly, which is why my Residents First package is so important.”
Brown encouraged residents to remain engaged and said she remains personally available to discuss the issue with members of the community.