Burns votes to hold Big Tech accountable
H.B. 2496 allows for moratoriums on data centers
Rep. Frank Burns June 26, 2026 | 9:25 AM
HARRISBURG, June 26 — Responding to concerns about the impact of data center development on Pennsylvanians and their wallets, state Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, voted this week to allow municipalities to enact a temporary pause on new data center applications.
House Bill 2496 would allow municipalities the option to put a 180-day pause on all data center applications while they develop the proper ordinances and protections for their community.
The bill passed the House with strong bipartisan support and now moves to the Senate.
“These are some of the largest corporations in the world, and nobody knows better than the people of Cambria County what kind of lasting damage greedy corporations can do,” Burns said. “At first, people were optimistic about the job growth that data centers might provide, but now we know just how much they are impacting utility rates and people’s quality of life. It’s time to hold these big tech companies accountable.”
Besides voting for House Bill 2496, Burns supported a proposed amendment that would require data centers to generate their own electricity so that they have zero impact on electric rates.
“People are struggling, and it’s hard for them to make ends meet,” Burns said. “Helping people pay their bills is a top priority of mine, and we’re working to do that in the House of Representatives.”
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“At first, people were optimistic about the job growth that data centers might provide, but now we know just how much they are impacting utility rates and people’s quality of life. It’s time to hold these big tech companies accountable.” – Rep. Burns
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Burns urged the Senate to approve House Bill 2496 and send it to the governor’s desk to give people the protections they need from data center growth.