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Dear Neighbor,
While the proliferation of data centers across the commonwealth and the nation has only recently captured widespread media attention, I have spent more than a year working with legislators from multiple states in the PJM region to identify concerns and propose solutions that address the strain on our energy grid, the effect on our utility bills, and the potential environmental and economic impacts of rapid data center development. |
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In working groups with the PJM legislators’ collaborative, conversations with my colleagues, and learning sessions with the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators and the Clean Energy Legislative Academy, I am working to get to the heart of one over-arching question: What should responsible data center policy look like in Pennsylvania?
Decisions around data center development involve decisions about energy policy, environmental policy, economic policy, consumer protection, land use, community impacts, and local control. These decisions are governed by policy and regulation at the federal, regional, state, and local levels. For this reason, we all have a crucial role to play in these important conversations.
Because land-use ordinances and zoning decisions happen at the municipal level in Pennsylvania, it has never been more important than this very moment to be engaged in your local government. Now is the time to attend your local township or borough meetings, volunteer for your municipality’s Zoning, Environmental Advisory, or Planning committee, and share your questions and concerns with township officials.
At this very moment, our local municipalities are working to create legally defensible ordinances that protect their residents from concerns like noise, vibration, polluting emissions, and water use impacts while also protecting the municipality (and ultimately the taxpayers) from lawsuits by developers or property owners.
At the state level, we are working first and foremost to protect ratepayers from higher electricity costs, strengthen local government power and give municipalities the tools they need, and set guardrails that limit environmental impacts of data center development and operation.
Right now, there are two bills moving in the House that address critical pieces of this puzzle.
This bill was reported out of the House Energy Committee in early February, and it is expected to come up for a vote on second consideration when we return to session at the end of March.
While there’s a lot to like in this bill, I’m concerned about some language it contains that would expand the definition of “renewable energy” and potentially prioritize large data center projects over other grid priorities.
I am working on a set of amendments that would address these concerns and add stronger public interest protections to the bill, to ensure that the Public Utility Commission would be required to prioritize the interests of communities and residential ratepayers over corporate or utility interests. I will continue to update as this bill moves toward debate and final consideration.
This would not be a mandatory ordinance but would be available for municipalities to use, if they wish, as a starting point, as they set out to regulate things like height and size limits, noise levels, setback distances from residential zones, emergency response planning, and requirements around water and sewer system use. Local governments would retain full authority over their own zoning decisions.
The Energy Committee held a public hearing on this bill on February 2. During the hearing, testifiers raised concerns about ensuring opportunities for community involvement and protecting local control. The bill is scheduled for a vote in Energy Committee on March 2, and amendments to address these concerns are expected to be considered at that time.
Last night, I participated in a live broadcast hosted by PBS 39 in the Lehigh Valley that addressed many of the questions and topics mentioned above. You can find the full broadcast, plus an additional audience Q&A session at the end, on the PBS 39 YouTube channel. |
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Be a part of the data center conversation
You’ve heard a lot from me about data centers over the past several months, and now I want to hear from you! What questions do you have about data centers? Do you have concerns that have not been addressed?
Please send your thoughts to repotten@pahouse.net and be a part of this important conversation. |
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Local business to reopen after fire
Last August, we were so saddened to hear of the fire that affected several beloved local businesses in Eagleview Town Center, including Brickside Grille, Persis, Gemini, Rita’s, and Wellington Bookstore.
It’s been wonderful to see these businesses return one by one over the past several months, and today I am excited to share that the last of these businesses, Brickside Grille, is finally able to reopen. Their doors will open at 3:00 PM tomorrow, Saturday, February 28.
Kudos to all these local favorites for their determination to rebuild and keep going! We are so happy to have you back! |
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If you have questions or would like to provide feedback on any legislative or state-related issue, please contact my district office at repotten@pahouse.net. |
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Shop for the best electric rate with PA Power Switch
We’ve talked a lot about the rising cost of energy in Pennsylvania and the PJM region and what I’m doing about it. With cold temperatures and rate increases sending electric bills through the roof, there are steps you can take right now to lower your monthly energy bills.
PA Power Switch makes it easy to compare electricity rates and plans, including plans that save you money while sourcing energy from 100% renewable suppliers. PA Power Switch is Pennsylvania’s official electricity shopping website managed by the Public Utility Commission, so you can be assured that offers are verified and legitimate, and the website makes it easy to review and understand the terms and duration of each offer.
In addition to unbiased comparison shopping, the site provides information about your rights as a utility consumer, plus a helpful explainer about understanding your electric utility bill so you can better see which costs are within your control. (PECO will still be your electric utility; PA Power Switch just allows you to choose the company that supplies your electricity.)
Electricity prices fluctuate, so be sure to check back periodically to make sure you are signed up for the program and rate that best suits your household’s needs and budget. Consider selecting a plan with a fixed, non-introductory rate, or setting a reminder on your calendar or phone to reevaluate plans in a few months, especially if the initial program you select has an introductory period.
Taking a few minutes a few times a year to review your options can save money and ensure your energy plan fits both your values and your budget. |
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Property Tax/Rent Rebate Application Period Now Open
The 2026 Property Tax/Rent Rebate Application Period is now open and accepting applications for rebates on property taxes or rent paid in 2025. The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians ages 65 and older, widows and widowers ages 50 and older, and people with disabilities age 18 and older.
This program has made it easier for seniors in Chester County to stay in their homes and afford groceries, medicine, and so much more.
Please call or stop by my office to find out if you’re eligible and get assistance applying for your rebate. We’d be glad to answer any questions and set up an appointment to help you complete your application online!
For those who prefer to file by mail, paper applications will be available in my office soon, and we will update here when they come in. |
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Free Tax Filing Assistance Available in Chester County
Need help filing your taxes? The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program is here to help.
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program is once again offering free, IRS certified tax preparation to eligible residents. By helping individuals keep more of their earnings and access essential tax credits, VITA provides a critical boost for families working to build long term financial stability.
For many households, maximizing this year’s refund is crucial. VITA supports working individuals who do not receive high wages by offering:
VITA sites across Chester County are now open for the season, with locations in Coatesville, Downingtown, Exton, Kennett Square, Phoenixville, Pottstown, Royersford, and West Chester.
To learn more about site locations, hours, and what to bring, click here. |
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LIHEAP Application Window Now Open
The 2025–26 LIHEAP (Low‑Income Home Energy Assistance Program) season officially opened on December 3, 2025. LIHEAP is a federally funded DHS program that helps eligible households pay their heating bills by sending payments directly to their utility company or fuel provider. Grants of up to $1,000 are available to income‑qualified households.
Eligible families are encouraged to apply early. Assistance is available while funds last and is distributed on a first‑come, first‑served basis. LIHEAP also provides support in crisis situations and weatherization services, ensuring no one has to choose between staying warm and meeting other essential needs. |
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SEPTA Senior Key Cards and Card Renewals
If you have a SEPTA Senior Key Card that has expired or will expire within the next month, we can renew it in our district office. To renew your card before it expires, please stop by my district office, or call us to make an appointment.
My office can also process applications and take photos for new SEPTA Senior Key ID Cards, which allow seniors 65 and older to travel for free on all SEPTA Regional Rail and transit routes within Pennsylvania. Just stop by my district office and bring a form of ID with your date of birth on it, such as a PA driver’s license or non-driver ID, U.S. passport, or birth certificate. We’ll enter your information into SEPTA’s online system, take a quick photo, and then SEPTA will mail your new card to you directly. |
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2-1-1 Southeastern Pennsylvania: Health and Human Services
2-1-1 works with county governments and provider agencies to ensure important local program information is easily accessible.
Visit 211sepa.org for more information. |
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Mental Health Resources: Call 9-8-8
Chester County residents experiencing mental-health-related crisis or distress can dial 9-8-8 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This system is designed to be a memorable and quick number that connects people in crisis to a trained mental health professional.
Chester County offers additional resources for those in crisis, including Chester County’s warm line, 1-866-846-2722, operated by Certified Peer Specialists, who are individuals in recovery with a lived experience of mental health challenges.
Chester County’s Teen Talk Line ensures seamless referral to Mobile Crisis for youth in need of immediate or higher-level support. The call line is 855-852-TEEN (8336), and the text line is 484-362-9515.
Visit the Department of Human Services website for more information about the 988 system and other state and local mental health resources.
If you or someone you love is in crisis, please don’t give up hope, and please know that you do not need to walk this path alone. We are here and we will do whatever we can to help. |
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My staff and I are here to help make state government work better for you! For assistance with the above programs or any other state-related services, please email repotten@pahouse.net, call 484-200-8259, contact us through my website, or visit my district office in Exton and let us know how we can help!
Sincerely, |
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Danielle Friel Otten |
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Pennsylvania State Capitol 34 East Wing (717) 783-5009 |
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District Office 631 Pottstown Pike |
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