timesleader.com · Bill O'Boyle · September 4, 2026
LEGISLATIVE ROUNDUP: State Reps. Walsh, Pugh seek action on data center legislation | Times Leader
# LEGISLATIVE ROUNDUP: State Reps. Walsh, Pugh seek action on data center legislation
By Bill OBoyle boboyle@timesleader.com
September 4, 2026
The Pennsylvania State Capitol in Harrisburg.
Pugh
Walsh
Fetterman
McCormick
Culver
WILKES-BARRE — State representatives Jamie Walsh, R-Ross Township, and Brenda Pugh, R-Dallas Township, urged constituents in both of their districts this week to remain vigilant to the actions of the Senate later this month and make their voices heard on data center issues.
“In our districts, we have watched our constituents contend with the uncertainty, lack of transparency and existential risks to their communities posed by rapid, unchecked data center expansion,” the legislators said in a joint statement. “This sudden trend leaves our townships and boroughs unprepared and under-equipped to enact vital safeguards to protect their residents from impacts regarding property values, utility rates, noise and light pollution, and water consumption.”
Walsh and Pugh said the rush to develop facilities where the impacts are uncertain makes a strong moratorium on data center projects not only convenient, but necessary for the Commonwealth and local communities to craft meaningful protections for their residents and give them deserved influence over their communities.
Pugh and Walsh said this year, the House has acted to address some of these concerns with the passage of House Bills 2496, 2198, and 2359. On Sept. 28, they said the Senate returns to session.
“With its return, the Senate has an opportunity to send these bills, which would ensure transparency, protect utility ratepayers and give local communities vital tools, to the governor’s desk for his signature,” Walsh and Pugh said.
According to Pugh and Walsh:
• House Bill 2359 would strengthen transparency in the development process by ensuring public access to information about construction, development and location. The bill does so by revoking equipment tax benefits on newly certified data centers with an energy consumption of over 10 megawatts if they enter into agreements with government agencies that bar them from disclosing this important information to the public.
• House Bill 2198 abolishes the sweetheart deal that data centers currently enjoy of being fully exempt from Pennsylvania’s Sales and Use Tax.
• House Bill 2496 gives municipal leaders the ability to enact a six-month moratorium on data center project applications, which was improved with the unanimous passage of an amendment by each of us.
— Amendment A03801 (by Rep. Pugh) closed a potential loophole by clarifying that no provision in the underlying bill may be interpreted to limit the authority that municipalities currently have over local land-use and zoning decisions, including the rights to adopt safeguards and/or deny data center applications that do not comply with local ordinances.
— Amendment A03862 (by Rep. Walsh) provides clarity to local leaders by preserving the right to utilize the existing six-month curative amendment process under the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code consecutively to the underlying moratorium if more time is necessary.
Walsh and Pugh said these bills each address the unique and evolving risks that come with hasty data center construction projects, and by passing them upon return to session on Sept. 28, the Senate has the power to give Pennsylvanians the vital lifelines of mandating transparency, removing special treatment, and giving our townships and boroughs a tool that may just save their futures for coming generations.
They added that the Senate also has an opportunity to lead by considering Senate Bill 1345 by Sen. Jarrett Coleman. They said this legislation would squarely address high-impact data centers — those with critical IT load/consumption of at least 25 megawatts — by allowing townships and boroughs to enact an 18-month moratorium on applications.
Pugh and Walsh said this bill would grant much-needed breathing room to local officials who are tasked with responsibly handling applications for construction of the most demanding facilities at a rapid pace, likely to affect generations of residents.
“We urge the Senate to swiftly bring House Bills 2198, 2359, and 2496 up for a vote and pass them upon return to session on Sept. 28,” Walsh and Pugh said. “We further hope to see the Senate pass Senate Bill 1345, send it to our chamber and provide the protection that the future of our townships and boroughs may, and even likely, depend on.
• Constituents who would like to contact their state representative and/or state senator can do so at www.palegis.us/find-my-legislator to check their district and find the necessary information.
Sen. Fetterman, Sen. McCormick celebrate $96M investment in PRT, SEPTA
U.S. Senators from Pennsylvania John Fetterman and Dave McCormick announced a combined $96 million in grant awards for Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) and the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA)’s Rail Vehicle Replacement Program.
These awards will support the replacement of PRT’s aging Light Rail (“T”) fleet and SEPTA’s 50-year-old Silverliner IV Regional Rail cars.
“Hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians across our Commonwealth rely on public transit to get where they need to go every day. Investments like these matter,” said Fetterman. “These grants will make service on the T in Pittsburgh and across the Regional Rail system in Philly safer and more reliable for riders.”
“This $96 million investment is a major win for Pennsylvania transit riders. It will help PRT and SEPTA replace aging vehicles with modern fleets that increase capacity, improve reliability, and deliver better service for the thousands of Pennsylvanians who rely on public transportation every day,” said McCormick.
PRT’s $82,774,074 award will support the replacement of its aging light rail fleet. Much of PRT’s existing fleet has exceeded its intended service life, which has caused growing maintenance challenges, significant reliability concerns, and increased operating costs on the T. Fetterman penned a letter in support of PRT’s grant application to FTA Acting Executive Director Jamie Pfister in July. McCormick also provided a letter of support for the project.
SEPTA’s $13,263,248 award will support the replacement of its Silverliner IV fleet with new Silverliner VI rail cars. Dating back to the mid-1970s, the Silverliner IVs are among the oldest operating passenger rail cars in the country, and they represent two-thirds of SEPTA’s Regional Rail fleet.
A new Silverliner VI fleet will provide safer and more accessible service for passengers, while reducing the maintenance costs necessary to keep the Silverliner IVs in service.
Culver, Stehr to host Senior Expo at Knoebels Sept. 9
State Sen. Lynda Schlegel Culver, R-27, and state Rep. Joanne Stehr, R-107, will host their annual Senior Expo on Wednesday, Sept. 9, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Pavilion J at Knoebels Amusement Resort, 391 Knoebels Blvd., Elysburg.
The free event will bring together government agencies, senior organizations and other exhibitors to provide information about programs, services and resources available to older Pennsylvanians and their families. The expo will also feature health screenings and door prizes.
“Our Senior Expo gives residents an opportunity to speak directly with organizations that provide services they may need, all in one location,” Culver said. “Rep. Stehr and I look forward to welcoming everyone back to Knoebels and connecting seniors and their families with useful information and resources.”
Lunch will be served throughout the expo. Attendees are asked to register for the free luncheon at senatorculver.com/sr-expo-constituent, or by calling 570-206-9207.
As part of Hunger Action Month