Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Ciresi bill requiring transparency in data center development advances

Ciresi bill requiring transparency in data center development advances

Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus    June 18, 2026 | 11:03 AM

HARRISBURG, June 18 – Legislation introduced by state Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, to increase transparency in data center development was approved Wednesday by the House Energy Committee by a 23-3 vote and now advances to the full House for consideration.

House Bill 2359 would require developers of data centers with a peak electrical demand of over 10 megawatts to engage with local communities and their residents before construction and disclose information about the facilities’ impact to qualify for a sales tax exemption for data center-related computer equipment.

The legislation specifically targets large-scale/high-impact data centers and excludes smaller data centers that do not pose the same environmental or quality-of-life risks to nearby residents.

Qualifying data centers would specifically be required to:

  • submit a “community protection plan” documenting the owner/operator’s engagement with the community and municipality before construction, including holding public meetings and pre-construction consultations with the municipality.
  • complete an annual project footprint report on estimated local water and energy usage.
  • refrain from entering any non-disclosure agreement with government agencies.

“This legislation would help level the playing field between data center developers and local communities,” Ciresi said. “It would require developers to be open and transparent about the environmental impact with area residents and would give the public the opportunity to ask questions and express concerns about the proposed development,” Ciresi said.

“My legislation will foster accountability, transparency and public involvement in data center development in Pennsylvania. We cannot allow the public to be kept in the dark about major developments in their communities, such as data centers, and their potential impact on residents’ lives. Elected officials must be able to share information with the people they represent and hear directly from them.”