HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Senate Local Government Committee advanced Senate Bill 1345, sponsored by Sen. Jarrett Coleman (R-16), and House Bill 2496, sponsored by Rep. Paul Friel (D-26), with strong bipartisan support. The bills deliver critical new tools to local governments across the commonwealth, empowering municipalities and the people who live within them to determine the development that best suits their communities.
“I hear from my constituents almost every day about their concerns with data center projects,” said Coleman. “My legislation empowers local communities and gives them the breathing room they need to regulate these projects on their own terms.”
Senate Bill 1345 allows municipalities to enact an optional moratorium on new high-impact data center applications for up to 18 months. House Bill 2496 authorizes local governing bodies to implement an optional 180-day pause on data center proposals.
“Local governments know their districts best. This data center-neutral approach gives our municipalities the necessary ability to hit the pause button on data center proposals, gather facts, engage their communities, and make educated, informed decisions that protect residents while supporting thoughtful growth,” said Sen. Dawn Keefer (R-31), chairwoman of the Senate Local Government Committee. “With strong bipartisan support in both chambers, we’re equipping them with flexible tools to plan responsibly amid emerging development pressures, adding one more practical tool to their local decision-making toolbelt.”
Both measures passed the House of Representatives with overwhelming bipartisan majorities. By amending the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, the legislation ensures communities facing rapid data center growth have the time and flexibility to plan thoughtfully rather than react under pressure.
Pennsylvania’s municipalities have long served as the frontline for land-use decisions. These bills strengthen that role by providing local leaders with greater opportunity for informed governance. They both now advance to the full Senate for consideration.
CONTACT: Crystal Patterson, 717-432-1730