HARRISBURG – Sen. Camera Bartolotta (R-46) announced plans today to introduce companion legislation aimed at ensuring timely permitting for data center projects.
The legislation directs the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to generate approved earthwork, stormwater and air permits to developers who commit to improved environmental outcomes by meeting or exceeding design standards.
An accelerated permit will enable simultaneous pursuit of additional permits, land use approvals and other complicated hurdles which can considerably delay project approval.
“The idea of artificial intelligence is not being pulled from a science fiction novel—it is a rapidly emerging technology that is at our doorstep,” Bartolotta said. “Pennsylvania is primed to become a hub for cultivating the most significant technological shift since the Industrial Revolution. Accelerating the construction of data centers will be pivotal to staying ahead of the curve.”
This effort comes on the heels of President Donald Trump’s and U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick’s (R-PA) announcement of a $90 billion investment to build AI infrastructure such as data centers and power generation in Pennsylvania.
Bartolotta joins state Reps. Eric Nelson (R-Westmoreland), Kyle Mullins (D-Lackawanna) and Jamie Barton (R-Berks/Schuylkill), who earlier this year announced plans to introduce this legislation in the House of Representatives.
CONTACT: Katrina Hanna, 717-787-1463