Since 2020, when data centers started to be constructed, Pennsylvania’s energy costs have risen by over 70%. With there being estimates up to 130 active data centers with an additional 55 data centers being proposed, planned, or under construction, this problem will only get worse without proper regulation. To remediate this issue, data centers bringing their own energy are evolving strategies and may seek certification to be a public convenience, which would make them a public utility. If data centers become a public utility, they could preempt local municipal zoning ordinances and reduce communities’ control over land-use decisions. With recent statements by AI companies insinuating that data centers are a public utility, we must get ahead of this narrative.
 
For this reason, we will be introducing legislation that prohibits data centers from obtaining public utilities status. By obtaining public utilities status, data center developers would preempt local zoning ordinances and be able to evoke eminent domain, operate as a regulated monopoly, acquire development rights, rights-of-way and property for building, maintaining, or expanding infrastructure for data center projects that only benefit private, for-profit corporations. We need to place guardrails on this issue and ensure that Pennsylvanians have a voice in where these data centers are developed. 
 
Please consider joining us in co-sponsoring this legislation that would protect ratepayers and close exploitable loopholes.