Pennsylvania requires proposed data centers to complete comprehensive regional water usage studies

Original title: An Act requiring proposed data centers to conduct water usage studies.

Last action · September 24, 2026: Referred to ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES AND ENERGY, Sept. 24, 2026Sponsors: Rosemary Brown and 4 others

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What This Bill Would Do

Pennsylvania Senate Bill 1459 requires developers proposing new s to submit a comprehensive water usage and sustainability study to the host municipality at least 30 days before filing a formal development application. The analysis must be prepared by an independent third party at the developer's expense and cover water impacts within a 20-mile radius.

Why it matters

Local municipalities and residents gain access to regional water impact data before development decisions are made, while developers bear the full financial responsibility of hiring an independent firm to calculate direct and indirect water footprints.

Who It Would Affect

Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.

Directly affected

Data center developers

Developers must hire an independent third party to conduct and fully fund a comprehensive regional water usage study prior to submitting a formal development application.

Directly affected

Host municipalities

Municipalities receive the required water analysis and study at least 30 days before a formal development application and must make it publicly available upon request.

Directly affected

Residents within a 20-mile radius

Residents gain access to public data regarding the anticipated water usage, water quality, and long-term sustainability of the local water supply affected by the proposed facility.

Key Facts

You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who has to pay for the water usage study?

All costs for the water analysis and study are incurred by the developer.

How far out must the water study analyze regional impacts?

The study must evaluate impacts on adjoining properties and the surrounding region within a 20-mile radius of the development.

Can the developer prepare the water study themselves?

No, the developer must use an independent, State-recognized third party, which may be an engineering firm, to prepare the analysis.

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Where This Stands

Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.

Procedural history

1 action

Sep 24, 2026SenateCommittee
Referred to ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES AND ENERGY, Sept. 24, 2026

Version history

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