Pennsylvania is currently home to 174 data centers, with proposals for hyperscale data centers occurring across the commonwealth. Yet, we lack a uniform, statewide standard for how data centers should be decommissioned at the end of their life cycle, and importantly, who specifically the cost of decommissioning falls to.
 
With these concerns in mind, I am introducing a resolution directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to study aspects of data center decommissioning which include, but are not limited to, environmental, fiscal, and local government impacts to PA communities.
 
This study will provide us the information necessary to develop policies tailored to Pennsylvania’s needs and ensure that Pennsylvania residents are protected. More importantly, it demonstrates to Pennsylvanians that we are taking proactive steps to understand and address this emerging issue and to ensure the cost of decommissioning does not fall to them.
 
It is our responsibility as legislators to be informed when we make key decisions that affect the future of Pennsylvania and its residents. To that end, I ask for you support to improve the state legislature’s understanding of data center decommissioning by co-sponsoring this timely resolution.