Latest News from State Capitol and 55th District

July 2, 2026

Data Center Bills Update

As the technology sector increasingly looks to expand in Pennsylvania for data center development, government at every level must approach this growth with careful planning and strong accountability. Factors such as new jobs and economic opportunities are important, but they cannot come at the expense of our farmland, our taxpayers, or the well-being of our communities.

For me, the strongest position is one that is protective of our communities while still positioning the Commonwealth to benefit from the surge of economic development. Recently, I voted in favor of legislation in the House consistent with that goal.

I supported House Bill 2650 because it establishes clear standards for data centers, including safeguards for energy use, environmental impact, and transparency with local communities. During the bill’s consideration, I also backed efforts to strengthen protections for agricultural land. Farmland is a vital resource, and once it is lost, it cannot be replaced.

Hearing the concerns of local government leaders, I co-sponsored and voted in favor of House Bill 2496. It would give municipalities the authority to pause data center applications for up to 180 days. This ensures local officials have the time they need to fully evaluate proposals and put appropriate zoning measures and protections in place.

House Bill 2359, which I co-sponsored and supported, focuses on strengthening oversight and planning requirements related to data center development, helping ensure that projects align with local infrastructure capacity and community priorities.

Additionally, I supported House Bill 2198, which eliminates existing tax credits for data centers. While these incentives may have once helped attract development, the industry is now strong enough to stand on its own. Continuing these programs only shifts more of the financial burden onto taxpayers.

Data center’s 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.

It is my belief that we must manage data center growth responsibly. 

This is the second batch of data center bills passed by the House. In the spring, House Bill 2150, which would develop a model ordinance for data center development for local governments to adopt if they choose, and House Bill 2151, which require data center operators to report their annual energy and water usage to the Department of Environmental Protection, were passed as well. 

Concerns with data centers are not theoretical in the 55th District, where a data center project, TECfusions, has already purchased property before Pennsylvania began putting these guardrails in place. This underscores the need for greater transparency, stronger oversight, and a more deliberate process moving forward.

On a different note, I am happy to announce a proposal I introduced to study two rare disorders has passed the House. After meeting a local family that has struggled with their daughter’s health condition, I introduced House Resolution 528. The bill calls for the bipartisan, bicameral Joint Government Commission to study Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) and Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS).

These rare conditions impact 1 in 200 families. They are commonly confused for afflictions like Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Attention Deficit Disorder, which leads to misdiagnoses for psychological issues. However, while symptoms are similar, PANS and PANDAS are the result of an underlying infection, such as strep throat or influenza. If the infection goes without treatment, the symptoms can be permanent. To learn more or watch video of my floor comments, visit my website, RepJillCooper.com.

House Resolution 528 passed with overwhelming bipartisan support and does not need to be considered by the Senate. The Joint Government Commission is required to report on its findings within 18 months. 

Here is an additional news topic I would like to share.

Community Fair Event Later This Month - I want to remind you of my Community Health, Wellness and Career Fair scheduled for Friday, July 24, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Lamplighter, 6566 Route 22, in Delmont. This is a free event to make it easy for residents throughout the 55th District to meet the organizations that serve our neighborhoods! Food will be available for purchase. At the event, seniors can apply for a PRT Connect Card to use public transportation for free. Delmont Police will be present to assist motorists whose license plates are difficult to read. Be certain to bring your current vehicle registration and driver’s license. Call 724-472-4102 with any questions. 




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