SOMETHING WILLIAMS SAYS IT DOES NOT HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO DO. A STATE REPRESENTATIVE SAYS HE’S ABOUT TO INTRODUCE A PACKAGE OF BILLS AIMED AT REGULATING THE DEVELOPMENT OF AI DATA CENTERS ACROSS PENNSYLVANIA. REPUBLICAN REPRESENTATIVE JAMIE WALSH, WHO SERVES PART OF LUZERNE COUNTY, SAYS THE SPEED OF DEVELOPMENT OF THESE AI DATA CENTERS IS LEAVING A LOT OF COMMUNITIES WITH A LOT OF QUESTIONS ABOUT THEIR IMPACT.
Pennsylvania state representative to propose bills regulating AI data centers
Updated: 7:22 AM EST Jan 12, 2026
Pennsylvania State Rep. Jamie Walsh, a Republican serving part of Luzerne County, announced plans to introduce a series of bills aimed at regulating the development of AI data centers across Pennsylvania.Walsh said the speed at which the data centers are being developed is leaving many communities with questions about their impact.”In recent years, the development of data centers has accelerated, leaving many of our communities facing serious questions about how they will affect local residents, utility systems, farmland, water supply and much more,” said Walsh. “In my legislative district, specifically, we have a couple companies seeking to build data centers due to our proximity to needed resources and open lands, which has brought this issue to the forefront. And while I understand this industry brings the possibility of new economic investment, we also need to acknowledge and address the concerns that come with it.”Walsh emphasized the need for proposals to be clearer about the amount of water and electricity required. He said there are questions about whether Pennsylvania’s existing power grid and water systems can support demand without driving up costs for residents.”My legislative package is modeled on proposals from other states, such as Florida, and would establish clear and reasonable standards to ensure data center development in Pennsylvania occurs responsibly, transparently and with real community involvement,” said Walsh.
HARRISBURG, Pa. —
Pennsylvania State Rep. Jamie Walsh, a Republican serving part of Luzerne County, announced plans to introduce a series of bills aimed at regulating the development of AI data centers across Pennsylvania.
Walsh said the speed at which the data centers are being developed is leaving many communities with questions about their impact.
“In recent years, the development of data centers has accelerated, leaving many of our communities facing serious questions about how they will affect local residents, utility systems, farmland, water supply and much more,” said Walsh. “In my legislative district, specifically, we have a couple companies seeking to build data centers due to our proximity to needed resources and open lands, which has brought this issue to the forefront. And while I understand this industry brings the possibility of new economic investment, we also need to acknowledge and address the concerns that come with it.”
Walsh emphasized the need for proposals to be clearer about the amount of water and electricity required. He said there are questions about whether Pennsylvania’s existing power grid and water systems can support demand without driving up costs for residents.
“My legislative package is modeled on proposals from other states, such as Florida, and would establish clear and reasonable standards to ensure data center development in Pennsylvania occurs responsibly, transparently and with real community involvement,” said Walsh.