HARRISBURG, PA — Sens. Rosemary M. Brown (R-40) and David G. Argall (R-29) circulated a co-sponsorship memo on September 2 regarding legislation that would require a pre-application meeting between developers and local officials before data center projects are formally submitted for municipal review. The proposal would protect local infrastructure and ensure transparency in development planning while offering stronger factual education to local elected officials.

“Data centers represent potential economic opportunity for Pennsylvania,” said Brown. “However, they are also incredibly resource-intensive facilities. This bill ensures municipalities have the information they need early in the process to assess whether local infrastructure can realistically support these projects and residents have factual information.”

Under the proposed legislation, any entity seeking to develop a data center in Pennsylvania must:

• Request a pre-application meeting with the host municipality at least 30 days before submitting a formal development application.
• Include zoning, planning, elected officials and any third-party engineers and solicitors, if necessary, in the meeting.
• Provide “will-serve” letters from water, sewer, electric, and fiber infrastructure providers confirming that existing systems can support the project at full build-out, not just in phases.
• Identify any anticipated impacts on local residents related to infrastructure capacity.

“The biggest takeaway from our recent public hearing is that some data centers could be an economic driver for our region, but their development must be done correctly,” Argall said. “This bill ensures local governments have a seat at the table early in the process to protect all of us from any negative consequences.”

The senators emphasized that the bill is not meant to discourage development, but to encourage informed, cooperative planning that benefits business while protecting Pennsylvania’s communities.

“This is about sustainable development,” Brown added. “We want to make sure that while Pennsylvania grows, our communities are not left behind or overwhelmed. This is about doing things right.”

Lawmakers and stakeholders interested in co-sponsoring or learning more about the proposal are encouraged to contact Brown or Argall’s offices.