Bill > HB2246

This bill amends Pennsylvania's water resources planning laws to specifically address "covered data centers," which are defined as facilities primarily housing servers and data storage systems that use over 100,000 gallons of water per day for a 30-day period and may include backup power and cooling systems. The bill clarifies that existing laws do not grant new authority to regulate water use, except as provided for these data centers. It empowers the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to require notification and reporting on water use and withdrawals from covered data centers, impose additional permit conditions, monitor their water usage, and coordinate with other government bodies. Before developing a covered data center, developers must notify the DEP and provide detailed information about their proposed water use, discharge rates, water sources, and evidence that their operations will not negatively impact existing water users or the environment. The DEP will review this information and provide a response within 30 days regarding potential water availability constraints. When issuing permits for covered data centers, the DEP must ensure environmental protection, maintain water quality and quantity for existing users, confirm sufficient water availability for the data center, address water use conflicts, and consider water conservation technologies. The bill also allows the DEP to require aquifer tests and approval from river basin commissions if applicable, and it mandates that the DEP deny requests if there's a foreseeable risk of adverse impacts. Furthermore, the DEP will monitor water sources for adverse impacts after construction and can require a data center to cease withdrawals if such impacts occur until they are remedied. The bill also allows the DEP to charge fees to cover the costs of implementing these provisions, with revenue going to The Clean Water Fund, and requires the Environmental Quality Board to establish regulations, including temporary ones to expedite implementation.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/hb2246