Paul Friel Proposes Data Center Regulations in Re-election Bid
Democratic incumbent Paul Friel is running for re-election in Pennsylvania's 26th House District with a platform focused on AI and data center regulation.
Incumbent Democrat Paul Friel is seeking re-election in Pennsylvania's 26th House District against Republican challenger Samantha Horosky. Friel, a business owner and former school board president, has centered his legislative platform on the regulation of artificial intelligence, automated license plate readers, and data center development.
To address the growth of technology infrastructure, Friel introduced House Bill 2496. This legislation would grant municipalities the authority to pause data center applications for up to six months, allowing local governments to review and adjust zoning ordinances. Friel argues that the protection of natural resources and electricity affordability should take priority over the interests of large technology corporations.
Beyond technology regulation, Friel advocates for increasing state funding for public education to lower the burden of property taxes and supports restoring passenger rail service between Reading and Philadelphia. While Friel provided detailed responses to a candidate questionnaire from MediaNews Group, Horosky has not responded to requests for comment regarding her platform.
