As the proliferation of hyperscale data center proposals continue to spread across the Commonwealth, I plan to introduce legislation that will protect public health and our natural resources by establishing a statewide minimum setback requirement for the siting and construction of new hyperscale artificial intelligence (AI) data centers. The minimum setback for sensitive receptors would be established using health-based standards. 

Hyperscale data center operations include extensive computing and processing hardware, cooling and environmental controls, and supporting power infrastructure, all of which generate various types of noise pollution and mechanical vibrations. Low frequency noise (LFN), including infrasound, generated by industrial operations, can travel hundreds of miles under certain atmospheric conditions. Hyperscale AI data centers also emit fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which, according to the EPA, can travel hundreds or thousands of miles and influence the air quality of regions far from the original source.  Additionally, contaminants from data center operations can negatively impact groundwater. These pollutants can migrate well beyond the site of their origin depending on local hydrogeologic conditions. All of these pollutants and impacts are proven to pose long-term health issues for individuals living near industrial sites. 

Please join me in cosponsoring this important legislation to protect the health and well-being of all Pennsylvanians.