Mackenzie Says Local Communities Must Have Final Say on Data Centers

August 20, 2026

HARRISBURG – Rep. Milou Mackenzie (R-Lehigh/Montgomery/Northampton) issued the following statement in response to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s executive order on data center development:

“As an eighth-generation Pennsylvanian who has always cherished our beautiful farmland and peaceful way of life, I have been alarmed in recent months by the flood of data center proposals targeting some of our most bucolic communities. One of those communities is Upper Hanover Township in the Montgomery County portion of the 131st District.

“I stand with my constituents who do not want data centers built near their homes or on rich farmland, and who do not want their water supplies strained or their energy costs driven higher.

“In Harrisburg, I have voted ‘yes’ on House Bill 2496 (zoning bill consideration period for data centers), House Bill 2198 (eliminating sales tax exemptions for equipment purchased by data centers) and House Bill 2359 (requiring transparency in data center development). I will continue to support every piece of legislation that protects the property, quality of life and environment of the people I represent in the 131st District and across Pennsylvania.

“The people whose lives will be most affected by these projects must have the right to be heard and to have their concerns respected. Local governing boards must also be held accountable.

“Gov. Shapiro’s executive order endorses the direction set by these House bills, and that is a welcome development. Still, more must be done to guarantee that peaceful Pennsylvania communities are not overrun by data center developers. Decisions about whether and where data centers are allowed to be built should rest with the citizens. Let the people decide.”



Representative Milou Mackenzie
131st Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Will Jones
717.260.6615
WJones@pahousegop.com