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HB 2533

An Act amending the act of July 31, 1968 (P.L.805, No.247), known as the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, in zoning, providing for optional moratorium on filing or consideration of new applications for high impact data centers.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jake Banta and 12 co-sponsors

Municipalities could temporarily pause new applications for high impact data centers to study local planning impacts before permitting them.

Referred to Local Government
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2533

Summary of HB 2533 (Session 2025-2026) – Pennsylvania

Purpose and intent

HB 2533 amends the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (the act of July 31, 1968, P.L. 805, No. 247) to authorize an optional moratorium process specifically related to high impact data centers. The bill provides municipalities with a mechanism to temporarily pause the filing or consideration of new applications for high impact data centers, in order to study and address local planning concerns before permitting such facilities.

Key provisions

  • Optional moratorium authority: Municipalities may enact a temporary pause on filing or consideration of new applications for high impact data centers. The bill designates this moratorium as optional, meaning it would be at the municipality’s discretion whether to adopt and apply it.
  • Scope of “high impact data centers”: The bill targets data centers deemed to have high impact, though it does not specify in the summary text the precise thresholds or criteria that define “high impact.” (Detailed criteria would be set out in the statutory language or accompanying regulations.)
  • Procedural framework during moratorium: While the moratorium is in effect, no new applications for high impact data centers may be filed or considered. The bill is expected to outline, in the statutory language, processes for establishing the duration of the moratorium, notice requirements, and potential extensions or modifications.
  • Active considerations and exemptions: The text implies there would be provisions addressing what happens to existing projects or applications in process at the time the moratorium takes effect, and whether certain exemptions or conditional approvals could still be pursued.
  • Duration and renewal: The bill typically would require a defined maximum duration for the moratorium (e.g., a fixed period or multiple extension limits) and a mechanism for renewal if the municipality determines additional time is needed for study.
  • Override or modification provisions: It may include conditions under which state or local planning approvals could impact or supersede the moratorium, though explicit preemption details are not stated in the summary.

Who is affected

  • Municipalities: Local governments would gain an optional tool to pause high impact data center activity to conduct local planning analyses, environmental reviews, infrastructure impact assessments, or land-use compatibility studies.
  • Property developers and data center operators: Entities seeking to develop high impact data centers could be temporarily unable to file new applications or advance pending proposals during a moratorium.
  • Residents and local stakeholders: Communities may benefit from increased time to evaluate potential impacts (traffic, utilities, land use, environmental concerns) and to participate in planning processes.
  • Local planning commissions and zoning boards: These bodies would implement and administer the moratorium, handle definitions, standards, and procedural requirements during the pause.

Procedural and timeline considerations

  • Enactment process: As an amendment to the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, the bill would require passage by the Pennsylvania General Assembly and signature by the Governor to become law.
  • Effective date: The bill would specify an effective date upon enactment or a later date provided in the text.
  • Transition rules: Provisions would govern how ongoing applications are treated, how notices are issued, and how moratoriums interact with existing land-use approvals.
  • Reporting and transparency: The bill may require municipalities to provide notice to the public, maintain records of moratorium actions, and possibly report outcomes or findings from the moratorium period.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Planning flexibility: The moratorium offers municipalities a legislative tool to pause land-use decisions on high impact data centers, enabling thorough planning and community input.
  • Economic and development considerations: While protecting local interests, the moratorium could delay project timelines and investment. Communities would need to balance planning objectives with economic development goals.
  • Clarity and criteria: The effectiveness of the moratorium depends on clear definitions of “high impact data centers” and robust criteria for duration, extensions, and exemptions, to prevent ambiguity and legal challenges.

Please note: The summary reflects the bill’s stated purpose and structure as described. For precise definitions, exact language, timelines, and any amendments adopted during committee consideration, refer to the official bill text and fiscal notes.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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