HARRISBURG: PA Senator Tracy Pennycuick (R-24) today introduced legislation to prohibit foreign control of sensitive data center infrastructure in Pennsylvania.
Senate Bill 1442 is part of a package of legislation that includes establishing a “bring-your-own-generation” requirement for large projects, demanding public meetings, protecting ratepayers from higher electric bills, requiring data centers to pay their fair share, addressing water and energy demands, and making sure residents have a real voice before any project moves forward.
“Protecting Pennsylvania’s data centers from foreign control is essential to safeguarding our commonwealth’s economic security, national security and sensitive data. Senate Bill 1442 takes a proactive approach by ensuring that foreign-controlled entities cannot gain control of the infrastructure that powers our digital economy. We must remain vigilant about who owns and controls these strategically important facilities, and this legislation is an important step toward protecting Pennsylvania’s interests,” said Pennycuick.
The legislative package also includes prohibition of nondisclosure agreements between data center developers and municipalities. Unlike the Shapiro Administration’s recent EO, Senate Bill 1408 goes further by prohibiting these secrecy agreements at both the state and local levels.
CONTACT: Matt Szuchyt (215) 541-2388