PA must regulate data centers: Tell the State Senate to pass HB 1834 now
The Sierra Club is urgently asking all environmental friends and allies to lobby the Pennsylvania Senate to pass HB 1834 to regulate data center development now, before the demand for new data centers strains our grid, raises prices for families, and increases reliance on higher-emitting power sources.
We need the Pennsylvania Senate to pass House Bill 1834. The bill passed the House 104-85 and is currently in the Senate Consumer Protection Committee, chaired by Sen. Patrick J. Stefano, R., Fayette, Somerset, Westmoreland Counties.
The Sierra Club says HB 1834 is a critical step to get ahead of this challenge. For the first time, it would:
Require large data centers to procure new, in-state clean firm energy, ensuring demand is matched with reliable supply
- Require contributions to LIHEAP and the Energy Independence Fund to help lower energy bills and support in-state energy investment
- Establish consumer protections to prevent costs from being shifted onto households
These are essential protections, and they must be preserved.
Without them, rapid data center growth will stress an already constrained system, increase costs, undermine reliability, and leave Pennsylvania families to pay the bill.
That’s why we’re asking you to contact your State Senator today.
Tell them to support HB 1834 and maintain these important provisions. This message was sent by Jen Quinn, Legislative and Political Director, Sierra Club Pennsylvania Chapter
PHOTO/Virginia Tech Data Center, Wikimedia Commons
