An Act providing for the protection of water supplies by requiring commercial... explained: HB 2760 | Vote Impact

StatePennsylvaniaReferred

HB 2760: An Act providing for the protection of water supplies by requiring commercial data centers to restore or replace a polluted or diminutive water supply; and imposing duties on the Department of Environmental Protection.

Kerry Benninghoff

Source

OpenStates

Confidence

Low

Analysis basis

OpenStates summary

01

What this bill does

Official summary alongside an AI-generated read on where it stands and why.

Overall Score

70OUT OF 100

Score:70/100 civic fit

Risk:Moderate Risk

Impact:Moderate Impact 60/100

Constitutionality85%

Bipartisan50%

Public opinion80%

Bill summary

Here is a simple breakdown: If a data center pollutes or uses up a local water supply, this bill would force them to fix the problem or provide a new source of water. The Department of Environmental Protection would be in charge of making sure they follow these rules. **Status:** The bill is currently being reviewed in the House.

02

Impact analysis

✦ AI analysis

Modeled effects across six domains, estimated from bill text and comparable legislation.

Environment

Positive outlook

80%

Benefits

Protects local water tables
Mandates restoration of contaminated water
Prevents long-term water depletion

Risks

Regulatory uncertainty for infrastructure
Complex definition of diminished supply
Enforcement lags by state agencies

Economy

Positive outlook

60%

Benefits

Protects local property values
Maintains water infrastructure integrity
Prevents cost offloading to taxpayers

Risks

Increased operational compliance costs
Potential for data center project delays
May discourage regional sector investment

Society

Positive outlook

70%

Benefits

Ensures continued water access for residents
Protects community quality of life
Mitigates regional water scarcity

Risks

Potential for local disputes during shortages
Uncertain timelines for restoration
Possibility of temporary supply interruptions

Technology Industry

Mixed / Neutral

55%

Benefits

Clarifies Pennsylvania regulatory expectations
Creates a predictable liability framework
Incentivizes water-efficient cooling technology

Risks

Targeted burden on data center industry
Increased capital expenditure requirements
Regulatory friction for site development

Civic Accountability

Positive outlook

75%

Benefits

Empowers DEP to monitor industrial impact
Mandates corporate water responsibility
Provides clear remediation mechanisms

Risks

Dependent on DEP enforcement capacity
Potential for agency enforcement inconsistencies
Outcomes subject to political pressure

Public Health & Safety

Positive outlook

80%

Benefits

Maintains safe drinking water access
Prevents public health crises from contamination
Ensures consistent water service levels

Risks

Remediation lag times during contamination
Uncertainty of long-term restoration efficacy
Potential for quality issues during transition

03

How trustworthy & consequential it is

Sourcing already shown above, this is what the analysis found worth flagging.

Source
OpenStates
Official bill text or data from OpenStates.
Confidence
Low
Information is limited or incomplete.
Analysis basis
OpenStates summary
Source used for this bill's analysis.

Source note

Potential for prolonged litigation due to undefined legislative thresholds for 'diminished' supplies.

Analysis scope

Source provided is a summary; full bill text is not available.

04

Where it stands

Official record

IntroducedComplete
CommitteeCurrent
Chamber votesUpcoming
Final agreementUpcoming
GovernorUpcoming
EnactedUpcoming

05

How it affects your district

✦ Personalized

Set your location

Add your district to see how this bill may affect your community and who to contact.

Your Representatives

Your representatives appear here once you add your location.

06

Take action

Contact your representatives

Let them know how you feel about this bill.

Share your view

Join the discussion and see what others are saying.

Track this bill

Stay updated on progress and changes.