The amendment removes the original provisions related to fast-tracking approval of data centers and putting limits on the power of local ordinances to regulate them.
The new language--
-- Requires data centers to secure their own power sources; and
-- Adds language saying if local officials deny a data center project, state officials should respect that decision.
The bill still creates a statewide Opportunity Zone to encourage the location of A.I. data centers in the Commonwealth and a Regulatory Sandbox program that allows participants “to test an innovative artificial intelligence, data center and emerging technology product or service without obtaining a license or other authorization that might otherwise be required.”
This includes any state or local permits.
The bill remains in the Senate Communications and Technology Committee.
Sen. Tracy Pennycuick (R-Berks) serves as Majority Chair of the Committee and Sen. Nick Miller (D-Lehigh) serves as Minority Chair.
Click Here to read more about Senate Republican efforts to provide more breaks for A.I. data center development in Pennsylvania.
Gov. Shapiro’s Proposal
In his budget address last week, Gov. Shapiro proposed the Governor's Responsible Infrastructure Development Standards covering data center development that includes--
-- Protecting Energy and Water Resources: Developers must bring their own power generation online or fully fund new generation to meet their needs — without driving up costs for homeowners or businesses. Projects must also meet the highest standards for environmental protection, including strict water conservation requirements.
-- Transparency and Community Engagement: Developers must commit to open, transparent engagement with local residents and leaders. Communities deserve to know who is coming, what is being built, and how projects could impact their town — before development moves forward.
-- Delivering Local Jobs and Community Benefits: Projects must hire and train local workers and enter into meaningful community benefit agreements that invest in local priorities, from schools and infrastructure to long-term economic development.
-- Responsible Growth with Accountability: Only projects that meet these standards will receive the Commonwealth’s full support, including speed and certainty in permitting and access to available incentives — ensuring responsible development that reflects Pennsylvania’s values.
"If companies adhere to these principles, they will unlock benefits from the Commonwealth, including speed and certainty in permitting and available tax credits." Read more here.
PA Oil & Gas Industry Public Notice Dashboards:
-- Pennsylvania Oil & Gas Weekly Compliance Dashboard- January 31 to Feb. 6 [PaEN]
-- PA Oil & Gas Industrial Facilities: Permit Notices, Opportunities To Comment - February 7 [PaEN]
-- DEP Invites Comments On Permit For Homer City Generation 5.8 Mile, 30-Inch Natural Gas Pipeline To Serve Proposed Data Center 4.5 GW Power Plant In Indiana County [PaEN]
-- DEP Invites Comments On Columbia Gas Permit For Project To Protect 2 Major Natural Gas Pipelines From Impacts Of Longwall Coal Mining In West Finley Twp., Washington County [PaEN]
-- Susquehanna River Basin Commission Approved 74 Shale Gas Well Pad Water Use General Permits In December, January; 471 In 2025 [PaEN]
-- DEP Posted 75 Pages Of Permit-Related Notices In February 7 PA Bulletin [PaEN]
Related Articles This Week:
-- Gov. Shapiro’s Proposed Budget Includes Performance Standards For Data Centers Seeking State Tax Credits; Renewed Call For Lightening Energy Plan; New PUC Benchmarks For Utility Profits [PaEN]
-- Reactions To Gov. Shapiro's Proposed Budget From Citizen, Environmental, Energy, Industry, Utility Groups [PaEN]
-- House Committee OKs Bill To Give PUC More Authority To Regulate A.I. Data Centers, Other Large Loads To Protect Ratepayers, Electric Grid [PaEN]
-- Independent Fiscal Office Reports PA Electricity Prices Increased 46.1% From 2018 to 2025, More Than Other PJM States, Largely Due To Pennsylvania's Reliance On Natural Gas-Fired Electric Generation [PaEN]
-- Guest Essay: A.I. Data Centers Pose Big Challenge For PA's Energy Future - Dramatically Increasing Costs For Energy Consumers, And It's Not Getting Any Cheaper - By Tom Gilbert, Pennsylvania Environmental Council [PaEN]
-- PJM Interconnection Issues Cold Weather Alert For Feb. 7 to 9 Across Its Entire Footprint [PaEN]
-- Washington County Residents On Water Wells Not Aware A MarkWest Pipeline Drilling Project Lost 1.2 Million Gallons Of Drilling Fluid In Mount Pleasant & Robinson Townships [PaEN]
-- Environmental Hearing Board Denies CNX Gas Company Motion To Throw Out Ullom Family Appeal Over Water Loss In Washington County; Scope Of Rebuttable Presumption Under Review [PaEN]
-- Guest Comments: Jacoby & Cove Mountains In Loyalsock State Forest Will Be Degraded For Generations By PA General Energy's 'Saluda' Shale Gas Access Road, Staging Area Project In Lycoming County - By Barbara Jarmoska, Resident [PaEN]
[Posted: February 7, 2026] PA Environment Digest
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