To ensure the critical consideration and protection of water resources, especially to residential areas,  I will be introducing legislation that requires a third party, independent, local water analysis, and study as part of any data center development proposal submitted to a Pennsylvania municipality. 
 
Data centers are being proposed across Pennsylvania and especially in my district. While data centers may offer an economic opportunity to the Commonwealth, I like many of my constituents have concerns over water quality, utilization as well as short and long- term sustainability.  These facilities are resource-intensive, especially regarding water and energy usage. Without strong proactive planning and oversight, these demands may place a significant strain on local utilities and infrastructure and have risks and local impacts. 
 
This legislation will require that any entity proposing a data center must:
 

• Submit a comprehensive water analysis and study to the host municipality no later than 30 days prior to a formal development application.
• Use an independent, state-recognized third party (e.g., engineering firm) to prepare the water analysis and study.
• Provide data on anticipated water usage, water quality, short-term and long-term sustainability of water supply as well as several other parameters; not just for the data center property and adjoining properties but also for the surrounding region within a 20-mile radius of the development.
• Ensure the water analysis/study is publicly available upon request.
• All costs for the water analysis/study are incurred by the data center developer.
• If a data center is developed: requires a five (5) year third-party post development water analysis/study, comparing initial pre-development analysis to post development five-year analysis.  

 
This approach will ensure that critical water resources and quality are protected, well-planned and sustainable. The transparency and public trust regarding significant utilization of resources and answers to detailed questions must be a priority.  The analysis and study information will equip local officials and residents with the information they need to evaluate a project’s true impact and any risks associated with short and long-term water supply regarding any data center development.
 
Please join me in supporting this commonsense initiative for critical information and protections in economic development, taking into consideration not only development but the residents of Pennsylvania. If you have any questions or would like to co-sponsor, please contact Christine Zubeck in my office at 717-787-6123, or czubeck@pasen.gov.