Election results could shift Pennsylvania’s data center rules

Pennsylvania election results could reshape debate over data center regulations Advertisement Updated: 8:19 PM EST Nov 6, 2026 Editorial Standards ⓘ Tom Lehman Reporter Pennsylvania election results could reshape debate over data center regulations Updated: 8:19 PM EST Nov 6, 2026 Editorial Standards ⓘ Tom Lehman Reporter HARRISBURG, Pa. — Data center development was not on the ballot in Pennsylvania, but the election results could influence how the state regulates and taxes the facilities next year. Democrats won control of the state Senate and retained their House majority in the November election. With Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro reelected, the party will control both legislative chambers and the governor’s office when the new session begins in January. Advertisement Residents seek transparency and zoning changes Some residents and lawmakers hope that will give new momentum to proposals aimed at protecting communities where data centers are planned. Andrew Dymski, of Middlesex Township, has fought the proposed PAX-1 data center campus in Cumberland County court. He said his experience has shown him how important it is for residents to know what is being planned in their communities. “I think one of the biggest issues you see from residents is the disguise, right, of what happened and how fast stuff has come and how hard it has been to get clear answers,” Dymski said. Dymski wants lawmakers to prohibit local governments from signing nondisclosure agreements related to data center projects. He also supports changes to municipal planning and zoning laws and incentives to build data centers on brownfields — previously developed properties that may need environmental cleanup. “I think part of that is classify data centers as an industrial use and make sure that they don’t sit next to houses, next to schools, and keep them off farmland,” he said. Lawmakers introduced proposals to restrict nondisclosure agreements, but they were not enacted. Other data center bills passed one legislative chamber but did not become law. Lawmaker calls for local control and tax changes State Rep. Dave Madsen, D-Harrisburg, said communities should have the ability to decide whether they want data centers. “I think if a local community does not want these, they should be empowered to effectively be allowed to say we don’t want data centers in our communities,” Madsen said. Madsen’s district includes Swatara Township, where a data center campus is being built on the former Dauphin Highlands Golf Course. He hopes Democratic control of state government will help advance measures such as repealing a sales tax exemption for data center equipment. A repeal proposal passed the House this year but did not advance through the Senate. “Look, I think a lot of people got sent here because their communities wanted them to do something around data centers and big tech,” Madsen said. “And so, I think if they want to come back, we need to pass some things to address those concerns for the community.” Shapiro has also established standards for data center projects seeking state support, including the equipment tax exemption. The standards address issues such as local community support, electricity costs and environmental protections. Make WGAL a preferred source on Google Add Preferred Source Share Infinite Scroll Enabled Top Picks Watch: Giant pandas make much-anticipated debut at Zoo Atlanta 19-year-old to become one of Massachusetts' youngest representatives in state history Dramatic video: Mother rescues man drowning 'We brought him home': A WWII soldier killed 82 years ago has finally been laid to rest