What the Data Center Fight in Lancaster County Is About
If you live in Manheim, you’re in Pennsylvania’s 36th State Senate District, and the rapid spread of AI data centers across Lancaster County has turned the 2026 race into a referendum on who controls where these facilities get built. James Malone, the incumbent state senator, has made municipal local control his answer. He stood with Lancaster County local officials in support of SB 1345 and HB 2496, the bipartisan moratorium bills that would let municipalities pause all data center development while they update their zoning laws. Malone voted for both bills in the Senate Local Government Committee, and he supports common-sense regulations that put municipalities in charge of data center decisions.
What Malone Is Pushing in Harrisburg
Malone is pressing the Senate to pass SB 1345 and HB 2496, the bipartisan moratorium bills that would give municipalities a real tool, not just a request, when a data center proposal lands in their zoning hearing. His record this session backs that up: committee votes for the pause bills, and standing with the county officials who would actually use that authority.
The Bottom Line for Manheim Voters
For Manheim voters who want their township to have a real say over data center development, James Malone is the right choice in the 36th District, because he voted for the SB 1345 and HB 2496 moratorium bills and supports giving municipalities the pause power they need. Register by October 19, 2026, and make a plan to vote on November 3.
