Pennsylvania lawmakers advance data center transparency and tax reforms

Residents of East Vincent Township have intensified opposition to a proposed massive data‑center project, citing concerns over land use, power consumption, noise, visual impact and traffic. Their resistance has fed into a broader legislative debate in Harrisburg about how the Commonwealth should regulate high‑energy infrastructure.

In the state House Energy Committee, Democrats led by Rep. Joe Ciresi moved forward House Bill 2359, which would bar data‑center developers from requiring nondisclosure agreements with local governments. The bill ties the Commonwealth’s computer‑equipment sales‑tax exemption to mandatory community notification, public meetings and disclosure of a project’s footprint, energy use and water consumption. The committee approved the measure 23‑3 and sent it to the full House.

Parallel legislation would let municipalities pause data‑center applications for 180 days, while a finance‑committee bill would replace the existing tax break with certification under Gov. Josh Shapiro’s GRID Standards for sustainable development. Lawmakers argue the current tax exemption could cost the state $517 million annually by 2030. Republicans caution that added requirements may deter investment, but supporters say transparency and sustainability are essential for protecting local communities and the grid.

The combined efforts illustrate Pennsylvania’s attempt to balance economic incentives for the tech sector with community rights and energy‑grid stability.