HB 2588
An Act amending the act of July 31, 1968 (P.L.805, No.247), known as the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, in general provisions, further providing for definitions; and, in zoning, further providing for ordinance provisions.
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill amends the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code to define ‘data center’ and ‘hyperscale data center.’ Specifically, it restricts the ability of municipalities to permit hyperscale data centers in agricultural zoning districts, requiring that at least 50% of the land be designated as prime agricultural land or land with soils of the fourth class as defined by the USDA. This aims to protect farmland from being used for data center development.
Key provisions
- Defines ‘data center’ and ‘hyperscale data center’ based on criteria including server capacity, power supply, and electric demand.
- Prohibits hyperscale data centers from being permitted by right, as a conditional use, or as a special exception in agricultural zoning districts.
- Requires at least 50% of the land in agricultural zoning districts to be designated as prime agricultural land or land with soils of the fourth class to prevent hyperscale data centers.
- The restrictions apply to development applications filed on or after the law’s effective date.
- The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.
Who is affected
- Municipalities in Pennsylvania
- Developers seeking to build data centers
- Agricultural landowners
- Local zoning boards
- Residents of Pennsylvania
Notable changes
- Limits the location of hyperscale data centers to prevent them from being built on agricultural land.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Cosponsors
David Zimmerman
Jacob Banta
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