Brown Highlights Bipartisan Record on Data Center Oversight

June 2, 2026

HARRISBURG – Rep. Marla Brown (R-Lawrence) released the following statement regarding her stance on data center development in Pennsylvania:

“As Pennsylvania continues to attract interest from data center developers, it is important that we balance economic opportunity with responsible oversight. With increasing demand for artificial intelligence, Pennsylvania is seeing a growing interest from developers looking to build large-scale data centers across the Commonwealth.

“My record shows I have supported bipartisan efforts to increase transparency, strengthen oversight and give local communities a greater voice. I voted in favor of two Democrat-sponsored bills addressing data center development because I believe good policy should always come before politics.

“I voted for House Bill 2150, which would require data centers to report their energy and water usage, and House Bill 2151, which would direct the state to develop model zoning guidance to help municipalities address future development. Both bills were sponsored by Democratic lawmakers and received bipartisan support.

“I also introduced House Bill 2588, which would prohibit data centers from being built on prime farmland that is currently in active agricultural use. The legislation is designed to preserve Pennsylvania’s most productive agricultural land while allowing data center development to continue in more appropriate locations.

“Data centers can bring investment, construction jobs and long-term economic growth to Pennsylvania. At the same time, municipalities need clear guidance and sufficient time to evaluate how these large-scale projects may impact local infrastructure, land use, water resources and energy demand.

“It is also important the costs associated with serving these facilities do not fall on homeowners, seniors and small businesses through higher utility bills. Large-scale developments should be planned responsibly, with transparency, local input, and protections for ratepayers.

“I will continue supporting policies that encourage investment and innovation while ensuring local communities have a voice, local governments have the tools they need, and Pennsylvania families are protected.”

Representative Marla Brown
9th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Rick Leiner
717.260.6437 (office), 717.497.8478 (cell)
Rleiner@pahousegop.com
RepMarlaBrown.com / facebook.com/RepMarlaBrown