HARRISBURG, June 17 – A fast-tracking state House bill empowering Pennsylvania municipalities to pause data center projects advanced unanimously from the House Local Government Committee this morning, said the legislation’s sponsor, state Rep. Paul Friel, D-Chester. Under H.B. 2496 , which Friel said is expected to pass the House as early as next week, municipalities could enact up to a 180-day pause on data center application considerations by adopting a resolution. During a pause municipalities could adopt, amend or repeal parts of their land use ordinances relating to data centers. Critically, the pause dates back to the moment the public was notified of the meeting agenda, and any application filed during the pause is subject to the new rules. “This bill gives Pennsylvania officials – who have an extremely tough job right now managing this unprecedented sector growth – the time needed to research, draft and pass comprehensive land-use ordinances updated and fit for data centers,” Friel said . “Data centers are not a customer that all states saw coming. It will allow our local elected supervisors and councilmembers to develop protections for their communities, who face real negative consequences from unchecked development.” In Pennsylvania, a municipality may use its zoning powers to regulate development, but it cannot outright prohibit a specific development. Data centers, which are large Read more
“This bill recognizes children that are overlooked in our justice system, those who have been trafficked or abused,” said state Rep. Kyle Donahue, D-Lackawanna, who serves on the committee. “When those victim children commit crimes against the very people who harmed them, we cannot treat those cases the same as any other. By reporting H.B. 1616 out of the Judiciary Committee today, we are taking an important step toward a more just and compassionate system that acknowledges the profound impact of abuse. No child should face a lifetime of punishment without their story being heard.” Read more
HARRISBURG, March 6 - On Monday, the House Energy Committee, chaired by state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., advanced H.B. 2150 and H.B. 2151. If enacted, these bills would strengthen transparency and protections for communities navigating nearby data center proposals.Fiedler said major tech companies have ushered in the explosive growth of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and video streaming within the last five years, resulting in a data center development boom. Communities across Pennsylvania are now grappling with proposals from developers to site data centers, which require a tremendous amount of energy and water. Read more
“Since 2004, more than 30 community hospitals have closed across the state while dozens of others have eliminated essential services,” said Donahue, who represents portions of Lackawanna County. “This crisis isn’t theoretical. It’s happening in our communities right now.” Read more
HARRISBURG, Feb. 3 – On Monday, the PA House Energy Committee voted to advance legislation aimed at protecting consumers from rising costs associated with data center projects. Separately, the committee heard testimony on bills that would enhance reporting and transparency from data centers and provide local officials with a model ordinance to guide responsible development.Data center projects are rapidly proliferating nationwide due to the explosive growth of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and video streaming.As chair of the House Energy Committee, state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., has made it a priority to shield consumers from bearing additional costs related to these projects.“People’s bills are too high. We need to do everything we can to keep bills down and ensure the heat and lights come on when Pennsylvanians need them,” said Fiedler. “Affordability and reliability are at the heart of the work we are doing on the Energy Committee, and these bills are a key part of that. Without accountability, big for-profit tech companies could try to push more costs onto everyday consumers.”The Data Center Consumer Protection Bill (H.B. 1834), sponsored by state Rep. Robert Matzie, D-Beaver, was amended and approved by the committee. A public hearing on the bill was held in October 2025. If enacted, the legislation would protect ratepayers by establishing a regulatory framework for data centers operating in Pennsylvania.“Today’s vote brings us one step closer to... Read more
State Rep. Kyle Donahue today announced that $2.5 million in state funding has been awarded to support transportation and water infrastructure projects across the 113th Legislative District. Read more
Grant funding of $1.92 million from the statewide Local Share Account will go to support infrastructure and recreational improvements in Lackawanna County, state Rep. Kyle Donahue announced today. Read more
Grant opportunities that are available to apply for. Read more
Grant opportunities that are available to apply for Read more
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) will be performing a pavement preservation project on Route 11 (Northern Boulevard) in Lackawanna County beginning on beginning Monday, July 28 through Wednesday, August 6. Read more
Here are multiple grant programs that are currently open for applications. Read more
State Rep. Kyle Donahue today announced that $7.37 million in state funding was awarded to a rehabilitation project for Maple Lake Dam. Read more
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