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House passes optional model ordinance bill for municipalities to manage data-center siting
Summary
The House passed House Bill 2151 directing the Department of Community and Economic Development to draft an optional model zoning ordinance municipalities may use for data-center siting. Supporters said it provides tools to local officials; opponents warned a one-size-fits-all model could be inappropriate across the Commonwealth.
On April 13 the Pennsylvania House passed House Bill 2151, which directs the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) — via a bipartisan, bicameral local government commission — to develop an optional model zoning ordinance that municipalities may use in siting data centers. House leaders and the bill’s sponsors described the measure as an optional guidance tool rather than a mandate: "It does not mandate adoption. It does not override or diminish local control in any way," Representative Donahue said on the floor.
Supporters emphasized that the model will include optional language by zoning district and a required stakeholder engagement process. "This bill directs the bipartisan, bicameral local government commission to develop a model zoning ordinance that municipalities may use if they so choose," Donahue said, describing noise, setback, water-use and emergency-response guidance that the model could provide.
Opponents said the concept raised concerns about a uniform approach across diverse communities and questioned who would have input in drafting the model. Representative Kauser asked, "Where is the input coming from?" and urged a no vote, arguing that a one-size-fits-all model may be inappropriate for the Commonwealth’s varied localities. Representative Walsh similarly warned that decisions about rural communities should not be made by outside entities.
The House recorded final passage with yeas 124 and nays 77. The clerk announced that the bill passed the House and the clerk will present it to the Senate for concurrence.
