Pennsylvania’s data center policy debate continued during the week of June 2, 2026, following the release of the state’s finalized GRID Standards and the introduction of several new legislative proposals.
Gov. Josh Shapiro visited Archbald last week and announced Pennsylvania’s finalized GRID Standards. According to PA Data Center Accountability, Spotlight PA later reported that a senior administration official shared a draft of the GRID principles with Amazon before they were publicly released.
The communications also indicated the standards are voluntary and are not intended to prevent or discourage data center development in Pennsylvania. Critics have argued the standards lack enforcement mechanisms, while supporters have described them as a framework for responsible development.
State Rep. Jamie Walsh of Luzerne County introduced HB2533, which would allow municipalities to enact an 18-month moratorium on data center applications while updating local ordinances. Walsh also introduced HB2532, and SB1344 has been introduced in the Senate, to repeal Pennsylvania’s data center equipment tax exemption program.
The proposals focus on local control, tax policy, water use, power demand, setbacks, and noise impacts.
Pennsylvania currently has 11 operating data centers with 95 megawatts of operating capacity, according to PA Data Center Accountability. The group reports that 37 proposed projects would add 18,632 megawatts of additional capacity.
The Susquehanna River Basin Commission is scheduled to vote Thursday, June 4, on Constellation Energy’s request to increase water withdrawals for the Three Mile Island restart project. Public comments remain open through the vote.
PPL supply rates increased June 1, and PPL distribution rates are scheduled to increase July 1 under a previously approved settlement.
HB1834, legislation that would require developers to fund certain grid infrastructure upgrades associated with large-load projects, has passed the Pennsylvania House and is awaiting action in the Pennsylvania Senate.
Other legislation being tracked includes HB2150 and HB2151, both passed by the House and pending in the Senate; HB2359, an NDA ban awaiting a Senate hearing; an NDA bill introduced by Sen. Tracy Pennycuick; SB1359, a moratorium bill introduced by Sen. Katie Muth; and SB939, a fast-track permitting proposal under review.
Several municipalities and counties are also being tracked for data center ordinance activity, including Shamokin Township, South Hanover Township, Montour County, Penn Forest Township, Hanover Township and Butler Township.
Upcoming data center-related meetings include a June 9 Eastern Schuylkill Regional Planning Commission data center ordinance session at 6:30 p.m. at the Tamaqua Borough Building, and a June 11 Monroe Township supervisors meeting featuring a presentation from PowerHouse Data Centers.
Photo credits to PA Data Center Accountability
