Data centers are poised to become one of the defining industries of the 21st century. As demand for large-scale data centers continues to grow, Pennsylvania communities are increasingly being asked to consider developments that can have substantial impacts on local infrastructure, electricity demand, and water resources. Because of the significant local impacts these projects may have, residents should have a meaningful opportunity to determine whether a project of this scale is appropriate for their community.

To provide communities with that opportunity, I plan to introduce legislation amending the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code to require municipalities to submit the approval of a proposed high impact data center to the voters through a local referendum.

To ensure voters are provided with meaningful information before casting their ballots, the referendum question would be preceded by a brief description of the proposed development, including the total acreage, proposed building size, any proposed road and street improvements, estimated peak electricity demand, estimated water usage, and estimated noise impacts.

This legislation would increase transparency, strengthen local decision-making, and give communities a direct voice in determining whether high impact data center developments are appropriate for their municipality.

Please join me in co-sponsoring this legislation.