Contact: Anthony Campisi
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CVPA Applauds House Passage of Landmark Data Center Accountability Legislation; Calls on Senate to Protect Families from Rising Energy Costs
Molly Parzen, Executive Director of Conservation Voters of Pennsylvania, issued the following statement today celebrating the Pennsylvania House of Representatives' passage of House Bill 1834. This critical legislation, one of many bills introduced to manage the rapid expansion of data centers, represents an important victory for energy affordability, union labor and environmental protection:
Today, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives chose people over Big Tech profits by passing House Bill 1834. As our commonwealth faces an unprecedented stampede of data center development, this bill serves as a vital first step in shielding working families and local businesses already struggling in the midst of a growing affordability crisis.
Massive, energy-intensive data centers are already shifting their costs onto the backs of everyday Pennsylvanians. Experts have warned that without protections like those in HB 1834, families could see their annual electric bills jump by as much as $350. HB 1834 will ensure that data center developers pay their fair share for the infrastructure they require, while establishing investments to provide direct assistance to our most vulnerable neighbors.
This legislation is more than just a consumer protection measure; it models how to respond to the threats posed by data centers. By mandating that 32% of the energy for these facilities come from clean energy, we are limiting the impacts on our air quality and on families’ energy bills. And because of critical amendments, this clean energy will be built right here in Pennsylvania, creating high-quality, family-sustaining jobs that stay in our communities.
This legislation demonstrates that we can protect our communities from greedy Big Tech companies.
The job, however, is only half finished. The Senate must act swiftly to pass HB 1834. In a moment where every dollar counts for Pennsylvania families, we cannot afford to let Big Tech exploit our grid and our environment for their profits. The Senate must move this bill to Governor Shapiro’s desk immediately to start providing the relief and accountability communities deserve.
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