Local governments in our commonwealth are considering data center proposals and construction of these facilities is already occurring in some areas; however, questions remain. What happens at the end of the data center’s life cycle? What happens to the physical plant and its contents, and how are they disposed of or recycled? What environmental assurances does the state and local government get? Who pays for the decommissioning of the data center when the user is gone?
 
These questions must be answered and this is why I am introducing legislation to require data center owners to submit a detailed decommissioning plan with financial assurance for the facilities’ decommissioning before construction or permitting can take place.
 
The quality and availability of our land, water, energy and the strength of our local economies are at stake when a data center leaves town. It is our duty to protect our communities and to prevent taxpayers from being financially responsible at the end of a data center’s life cycle.
 
Several states including Kentucky, Michigan, and Nebraska have already considered or enacted data center decommissioning legislation. I hope you will join me in support of PA joining them.