Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility House Democrats’ protections against data centers, supporting hunting education, and more

House Democrats’ protections against data centers, supporting hunting education, and more

PA Representative Mandy Steele banner image
 

 

House Democrats’ protections against data centers

Across Pennsylvania, residents want protections from data centers, and House Democrats are working hard to hold Big Tech accountable. I recently supported four more bills that passed the House to deliver real-world regulation of data centers:

  • H.B. 2359 would ensure transparency in data center development by prohibiting state and local government agencies from entering into non-disclosure agreements for data center development.
  • H.B. 2496 would allow municipalities the option to put a 180-day pause on all data center applications while they develop the proper ordinances and protections for their community.
  • H.B. 2650 would establish strict, enforceable guidelines to ensure that any developer seeking tax incentives for data center equipment in PA meets strong standards that protect Pennsylvanians. 
  • H.B. 2198 would end the sales tax exemption for data centers, requiring companies to pay their fair share and take the burdens off Pennsylvania’s taxpayers.

In addition to these bills, the House already approved H.B. 1834 to place comprehensive guardrails on data centers, H.B. 2246 and H.B. 2150 to require data centers to disclose how much water and energy they use, and H.B. 2151 to help municipalities craft model legislation to protect against data centers.  These bills were approved in spring 2026 and await consideration by the GOP-controlled Senate—we need the Senate to step up and send these bills to the governor’s desk.  

 

 

Supporting a hunting and trapping education program in PA

Video

I was proud to support a bill that passed the House this week to develop an age-appropriate hunting and trapping education program in PA. H.B. 2460, which I have co-sponsored, calls on the state Department of Education to work in consultation with the PA Game Commission to develop the optional program for students in grades 6 to 12.

I believe it’s important to teach students about hunting and trapping to promote wildlife conservation and preserve the state’s rich outdoor heritage. It’s important to note that the firearm safety portion of instruction would be offered as an extracurricular activity, with no firearms allowed on school property at any point.

 Click on the above video for more of my thoughts on the issue.

 

 

Working on conservation issues with the

Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership

Conservation is a fundamental tenet of American values, deeply ingrained in the nation's heritage, culture, and economy. Protecting natural resources is widely viewed as a moral duty. This concept can transcend partisan lines, uniting Americans around a shared objective. I recently engaged in discussion with the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership regarding the state of conservation in Pennsylvania. I am pleased to have this prestigious organization’s backing for several of my bills. Our American conservation tradition is one we should uplift and expand, and I’m proud to be dedicating significant time and energy to this cause.

 

July 25: Free smoke alarms in

Cheswick, Springdale Township and Harmarville

Working smoke alarms can reduce the risk of death in a home fire by 50%. That’s why I’m joining the American Red Cross and Allegheny Valley V.F.C. to install free smoke alarms on Saturday, July 25, in Cheswick, Springdale Township, and Harmarville. To schedule an appointment or learn more, call 412-263-5278.

 

 

Fish for free tomorrow in PA

As an advocate of conservation and outdoor recreation, I want to offer a reminder that July 4 is a "Fish-for-Free Day" here in Pennsylvania. This day allows anyone (resident or non-resident) ?to legally fish on Pennsylvania's waterways with NO FISHING LICENSE REQUIRED.

I would note that this also means that Trout/Salmon and Lake Erie permits are NOT required. All other fishing regulations still apply.?

 

 

Partnering with the county to help you with
tax and licensing matters

I’m offering a new service this year at my Cheswick office. Once a month through September, I will host a representative from Allegheny County Treasurer Erica Rocchi Brusselars’ office from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Residents can take advantage of these special days and hours at my office, located at 1296 Pittsburgh St., to pay county property taxes, apply for the Homestead/Farmstead Exclusion or Senior Citizen Tax Relief programs, or obtain hunting, fishing, or dog licenses.

Mark your calendars with the dates and times on the graphic above!  

 

 

Veterans services at my office

Twice a month, a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) will be at my Cheswick office, 1296 Pittsburgh St., to assist veterans with a variety of services. The VSO will be available on the third Wednesday and Thursday of each month.

Call to schedule an appointment at (724) 826-5151.

 

District Office

1296 Pittsburgh Street

Cheswick, PA 15024

(724) 826-5151

Pennsylvania State Capitol

111 B East Wing
Harrisburg, PA 17120

(717) 705-7141