Why AI Data Centers Are a 2026 Issue in East Hempfield
If you live in East Hempfield Township in Lancaster County, you’re in Pennsylvania’s 36th State Senate District, and AI data centers have become one of the biggest issues in this year’s race. James Malone, the incumbent state senator, has made municipal local control over data center development his clearest legislative push. He stood with Lancaster County local officials in support of SB 1345 and HB 2496, bipartisan moratorium bills that would let municipalities pause data center development while they update their zoning laws. He also voted for both bills in the Senate Local Government Committee.
What Malone Has Actually Done, and Where Jones Differs
Malone backs common-sense regulations giving municipalities authority over data centers, the same local-control principle behind his moratorium push.
His Republican opponent, State Representative Tom Jones, supported bills to end tax breaks for data center developers and allow temporary pauses on applications, but voted against water-use reporting and renewable energy requirements. Jones says lawmakers need to be careful with data center regulation because of electricity bills, and favors compact nuclear power.
The difference that matters for East Hempfield is who is leading the push in the Senate for SB 1345, HB 2496, and municipal local control. That is Malone.
The Choice for East Hempfield Voters on November 3
East Hempfield voters who want a state senator actively fighting for local control over AI data center development should support James Malone on November 3, 2026. Register by October 19, 2026, and make a plan to vote.
