Latest News from State Capitol and 55th District

April 23, 2026

Bills Provide Structure to Data Center Growth

Data centers are often in the news, but their everyday role is easy to overlook. They power nearly every part of modern life — from storing photos of family vacations to supporting medical imaging, banking systems and national security operations. As technology continues to expand, so does the need for digital storage, and with it, the growth of data centers.

Pennsylvania is already home to more than 100 data centers, with dozens more proposed or in development. This growth presents both an opportunity and a challenge. The question isn’t whether data centers belong in Pennsylvania — it’s how we manage them responsibly.

Recently, the House passed two important bipartisan bills aimed at bringing structure, transparency and local control to this emerging industry.

If passed, House Bill 2151 would direct the state to develop a model ordinance for data center development. This is not a mandate, but a resource for local governments — particularly those that may lack the staff or expertise to evaluate complex proposals. With municipalities across Pennsylvania varying widely in their zoning and regulatory capacity, this optional framework provides a practical starting point while preserving local decision-making authority.

House Bill 2150 takes an equally important focus on transparency. It would require data center operators to report their annual energy and water usage to the Department of Environmental Protection, which will compile and publish the data in coordination with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission. This ensures policymakers and the public have access to reliable information, allowing decisions to be based on facts rather than estimates.

The kind of reporting in House Bill 2150 is critical. Data centers can consume significant amounts of electricity and water, and understanding their impact is essential to planning for sustainable growth. At the same time, it helps identify facilities that are operating efficiently and those that may need improvement.

We are already seeing examples of innovation in this growing field. In Upper Burrell, the former Alcoa Technical Center is being repurposed to support a data center, TechFusions, which has the potential to be powered by on-site natural gas generation. The project is expected to create many construction jobs and permanent positions, demonstrating the potential economic benefits these facilities can bring.

However, we must also be clear-eyed about the risks. Without proper safeguards, data centers can strain local infrastructure and shift costs onto residents. That’s why I also co-sponsored House Bill 2372, which proposes the Electricity Ratepayer Protection Act. It proposes to require data centers to cover the full cost of connecting to the grid and to supply their own baseload power, rather than relying on capacity intended for homes and small businesses.

Pennsylvania is well-positioned to compete in this space. As one of the nation’s top energy producers and the leading producer of natural gas, our Commonwealth has the resources to support data center development while still protecting consumers and communities.

But growth cannot come at the expense of local voices. Municipal governments must retain the authority to decide where and how these facilities are built, and residents deserve a say in projects that affect their neighborhoods, infrastructure and utility costs.

This is about balance. We can embrace the economic and technological benefits of data centers while setting reasonable expectations for transparency, accountability and community protection. With thoughtful policy, Pennsylvania can lead in both innovation and responsible development.

As always, I will continue to listen and keep the lines of communication open as this issue evolves.

Here are some additional news topics and reminders I would like to share.

Mobile Shredding Event Scheduled - Don’t leave personal, sensitive documents sitting around. Instead, dispose of them safely at my free Mobile Shredding event that I am co-hosting with Rep. Abby Major, Friday, May 8, from 10 a.m. to noon at Lower Burrell VFW Post 92, 1601 Wildlife Lodge Road, New Kensington. The event is available specifically for personal documents and not commercial use. Please keep in mind there is a limit of two bags or boxes per person. Books, magazines or metal binding materials (other than staples) cannot be shredded.

Hey Ladies, Join Me for Tea! - Please join me for a Women’s Legislative Tea event to discuss current events in Harrisburg and here at home. The free event, scheduled for Wednesday, May 13, from 2-4 p.m. at The Lamplighter, 6566 Route 22, Delmont, features guest speaker Westmoreland County District Attorney Nicole Ziccarelli. Register by May 8 by contacting Robin Savage at 724-387-9113 or by emailing rsavage@pahousegop.com.

PHEAA Announces Financial Aid Webinars - The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) has announced four upcoming seminars to help students explore their financial options to cover the cost of college:

• Borrowing for Higher Education – A seminar about loan options will be offered Thursday, May 7, from noon to 1:45 p.m. and Tuesday, June 23, from 6:30-7:15 p.m.
• Deep Dive into Covering the Gap – A seminar about understanding your college bill and making informed decisions about how to finance your semester will be offered Tuesday, May 19, from 6:30-7:15 p.m. and Thursday, June 11, from noon to 12:45 p.m. 

For more information and to register, visit PHEAA.org.



Representative Jill Cooper
55th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Jordan Frei
724.875.8450
jfrei@pahousegop.com