Pennsylvania Introduces Bill to Ban Foreign Control of Data Centers

State Senator Tracy Pennycuick introduced Senate Bill 1442 to prohibit foreign control of sensitive data center infrastructure in Pennsylvania. Pennycuick stated the measure is essential for safeguarding the commonwealth's economic security, national security, and sensitive data. The bill is part of a larger legislative package that prohibits nondisclosure agreements between developers and municipalities and requires large projects to provide their own power generation to protect ratepayers from rising electric costs.

This legislative push follows an August 18 executive order from Governor Josh Shapiro, which established guardrails for AI data centers. Shapiro's order ensures that state approval for these projects is contingent upon local community approval to prevent homeowners from bearing the burden of rising energy prices.