An Act amending the act of July 31, 1968 (P.L.805, No.247), known as the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, in zoning, providing for optional temporary moratorium on acceptance or consideration of new applications for high impact data centers.
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill allows Pennsylvania municipalities to temporarily halt new applications for high-impact data centers. Local governments can enact a moratorium lasting up to 18 months to allow time for planning and assessment. During this time, they can conduct infrastructure studies, environmental evaluations, and draft zoning ordinances related to data centers. The bill includes provisions for waivers and consultation with county planning agencies, ensuring a process for reviewing applications and addressing potential hardships.
Key provisions
- Municipalities can impose temporary moratoriums on high-impact data center applications.
- Moratoriums can last up to 18 months.
- Moratoriums can include activities like infrastructure assessments and environmental evaluations.
- Municipalities can request waivers if strict application of the moratorium would cause undue hardship.
- The bill defines ‘high impact data center’ based on electrical load (25 megawatts or higher).
- A public hearing is required before a moratorium ordinance is adopted.
- The moratorium cannot suspend enforcement actions or impair existing permits.
- Municipalities must consult with county planning agencies during the moratorium.
Who is affected
- Pennsylvania Municipalities
- Developers of Data Centers
- Local Planning Commissions
- Residents of Affected Communities
- Electric Utilities
Bill text
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Document of record
- Version
- Pn 1766 Html
- Published
- Not published in the source record
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