HARRISBURG, PA – Legislation introduced by Senator Greg Rothman (R-34) and Senator Tracy Pennycuick (R-24) aims to establish Pennsylvania as the premier destination for data center and Artificial Intelligence (AI) development. Senate Bill 939 would establish the Commonwealth Opportunity Zone (COZ), a statewide regulatory relief designation designed to position the entire Commonwealth for the job creation and economic opportunities presented by these rapidly growing industries.
“AI is fundamentally transforming our society and its rapid growth is generating unprecedented demand for data centers and along with them, good-paying jobs,” said Senator Rothman. “This legislation was crafted to get government out of the way of progress and make Pennsylvania the top choice for every AI company looking to invest resources and create jobs.”
Unlike geographically restricted zones that pick winners and losers, the statewide COZ will make every corner of Pennsylvania attractive to these vital job opportunities, ensuring broad-based economic benefit rather than limiting advantages to a select few government-designated sites.
The legislation would place data center development under a “Fast Track” permitting process, guaranteeing timely and predictable approval of essential permits. To ensure equity and consistency, the bill also establishes reasonable ordinance parameters, allowing data centers to operate under the same clear rules as similar industrial facilities, while preserving local control.
Another key component of the bill is the establishment of a statewide AI, Data Center, and Emerging Technologies regulatory sandbox. This innovative, collaborative framework will enable industry leaders to work directly with state agencies to identify and remove unnecessary and outdated regulations, thereby streamlining the development process and accelerating innovation.
Senate Bill 939 was formally introduced in conjunction with U.S. Senator Dave McCormick’s Inaugural Pennsylvania Energy and Innovation Summit, scheduled for Tuesday, July 15, at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. The summit will feature President Donald J. Trump and members of his cabinet, alongside government officials, global leaders in energy and AI, international investors, and labor and trade representatives.
“Senator McCormick’s Energy and Innovation Summit will powerfully showcase Pennsylvania’s historic opportunity to both lead and power the nation’s AI boom,” Rothman stated. “We have the energy resources, and the time to unleash those resources is now. The untapped economic opportunity for Pennsylvanians is truly incredible.”
Senate Bill 939 has been referred to the Senate Communications and Technology Committee for consideration.
CONTACT: Morgan Wagner