I intend to introduce legislation to ensure accelerated permits for data center projects that commit to equal, or higher, environmental performance.  If we ensure timely permits for developers who meet, or exceed, federal standards, Pennsylvania can secure massive private investment in data centers and their accompanying “Behind the Meter” electrical generation.  This will be the companion bill to bipartisan legislation by Reps. Nelson, Mullins and Barton that will be introduced in the House.

The path is clear, better environmental outcomes can be achieved when developers are empowered to innovate, design and implement advanced techniques to increase field performance.  Engineers, and artificial intelligence, can pre-determine specific air emissions generated from multiple sized power plants.  If engineering stamps and site designs meet or exceed federal limits, there is no need to wait for a multi-year DEP review.

This legislation directs the PA Department of Environmental Protection to generate approved earthwork, stormwater and air permits to developers who commit to improved environmental outcomes by meeting, or exceeding, design standards.  An accelerated permit will enable simultaneous pursuit of additional permits and processes like Highway Occupancy Permits, Environmental Justice Permits, land use approvals and other complicated hurdles which can considerably delay project approval. We need to be faster.

If a lawsuit is filed challenging an aspect of a data center project, the associated permit timelines shall be suspended during the legal dispute to ensure permits do not expire because of extended lawfare.  This intentional legal delay tactic kills investment in PA.

Why are investors forced to seek complicated, multi-year, air and earth work permits when engineering standards and equipment specifications commit they meet, or exceed, design standards?  It is time we prioritize field performance versus extended paper reviews. 

Faster permits can equal cleaner air and water.  Simultaneous pursuit of much needed parallel permitting welcomes investment and ensures responsible development.  This legislation grants air-permits, earthwork permits and stormwater approval at the time of paid application and holds the generator accountable for meeting, or exceeding, federal air emissions and design standards.

If an engineer’s design stamp commits to meeting or outperforming standards, elite investors should no longer be forced into a multi-year process to receive permits?  Please join this bipartisan effort to build data centers faster and cleaner in Pennsylvania.