Pennsylvania Perspective for Thursday, August 20, 2026

Pennsylvania

Shapiro Administration Restricts Data Center Development in Pennsylvania

Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro signed an executive order limiting data center development in Pennsylvania by requiring local approval before projects can receive state permits and mandating compliance with new environmental, transparency, and community‑benefit standards. The order removes data centers from the state’s fast‑track permitting program, prohibits nondisclosure agreements, directs the Department of Environmental Protection to publish permitting information, and requires developers to supply and pay for their own electricity generation. Shapiro said the action responds to widespread community opposition and concerns about speculative proposals across the state.

Subscribe

Democrats Report Lead in Western Pennsylvania Special Election

Early, unofficial results from the Butler County Bureau of Elections show Brandon Dukes leading Scott Timko in the special election for the 12th House District in Butler County. The seat is currently vacant following the resignation of former State Representative Stephenie Scialabba (R) earlier this year. The district has been represented by Republicans for more than two decades and supported Donald Trump by a wide margin in 2024. The Associated Press has not called the race, and the results remain uncertified while the county completes its review and the five‑day challenge period. Dukes and Timko are expected to face each other again in November for the full two‑year term.

Lawmakers Advance Bills to Limit NDA Use in Data Center Projects

Two Pennsylvania lawmakers have introduced bills aimed at restricting nondisclosure agreements in data center development. State Senator Tracy Pennycuick (R-24) has proposed legislation that would prohibit public agencies from signing NDAs with data center developers. State Representative Joe Ciresi (D-146) has introduced a separate bill that would amend the state’s data center tax exemption so that only projects that do not use NDAs would qualify. Representative Ciresi’s bill passed the state House with bipartisan support, 171–31, and both measures are now pending in the state Senate for consideration when lawmakers return to Harrisburg this fall.

Pennsylvania Members of Congress Introduce Bill to Expand Oversight Access at ICE Facilities

Pennsylvania Representatives Summer Lee (D-12), Chris Deluzio (D-17), Madeleine Dean (D-4), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-5), and Dwight Evans (D-3) introduced the federal Oversight Access Act of 2026, which would allow Members of Congress to bring one staff member into Immigration and Customs Enforcement facilities during unannounced oversight visits. The bill responds to incidents at Pennsylvania’s Moshannon Valley Detention Center where congressional staff, including interpreters and immigration policy experts, were blocked from entering during oversight. The legislation removes prior‑notice requirements for congressional entry, prohibits temporary facility changes during visits, and bars the Department of Homeland Security from preventing Members and staff from entering for oversight purposes. 

Philadelphia

Philly Named a Finalist to Host the 2028 Democratic National Convention

Philadelphia is one of three cities still in the running to host the 2028 Democratic National Convention, with Denver and Boston also making the final list. The selection narrows a previous list of five cities and removes Atlanta and Chicago from contention. If chosen, Philadelphia would host the convention at Xfinity Mobile Arena from Aug. 7–10, 2028. DNC officials visited finalist cities earlier this year to assess logistics, including arena capacity, transportation, and security. Mayor Cherelle Parker said the city’s recent run of major events demonstrates its readiness, and host‑committee president David L. Cohen called the finalist designation a reflection of Philadelphia’s strong bid and experience with large national gatherings.

SEPTA to Implement First Phase of New Bus Network This Weekend

SEPTA will roll out the first phase of its New Bus Network on Sunday, Aug. 23, with dozens of Philadelphia‑area routes seeing adjustments. Two new routes will launch, several existing routes will be discontinued, and many others will receive revised service patterns, shortened or extended alignments, or updated frequencies. Additional changes to Routes 105 and 106 will take effect on Aug. 24. SEPTA has published updated transit maps and an online trip planner reflecting all modifications, marking the start of a systemwide redesign that will continue in future phases.

Federal

Lancaster County DA Says ICE Partnership Will Continue Into Second Year

The Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office says it will continue its partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement into a second year, noting that the agreement has formalized information‑sharing already used during prosecutions and provided reimbursements for certain activities. District Attorney Heather Adams said the office does not plan to withdraw from the partnership, while local activist groups have continued to call for its end. One police department has exited the program.

Appeals Court Upholds Limits on Immigration Enforcement 

A federal appeals court upheld a preliminary injunction that restricts the Department of Homeland Security from conducting immigration enforcement at or near certain houses of worship, including congregations in Pennsylvania and in 33 other states and Washington, D.C. The decision affirms a February 2025 ruling in a case brought by Quaker, Sikh, and Baptist groups, including the Religious Society of Friends in Philadelphia. The injunction applies only to the plaintiffs and still allows enforcement with warrants or in emergency situations.

Share

Share this...

Facebook

Pinterest

Twitter

Linkedin