Kutz Issues Statement Opposing Monroe Township Site for Proposed Data Center

June 17, 2026

HARRISBURG—In response to a proposed data center project in the 87th District, Rep. Thomas Kutz (R-Cumberland) has issued the following statement:

“I do not support the proposed data center in the heart of Monroe Township. I appreciate the many residents who have shared their concerns, and I remain committed to protecting our community and preserving its character for the next generation.

“Like many in our community, I have spent considerable time learning about data centers and the impacts they can have on local communities. While I welcome constituent input on local development matters, decisions regarding land use, zoning, and development are ultimately made by municipal elected officials, and I do not have a vote on these proposals.

“My office has been in contact with Monroe Township officials regarding constituent opposition, and I have personally shared my concerns with local leaders. I encourage you to do the same. Land use decisions are best made by residents and local elected officials who understand the unique needs and priorities of their local communities, and current law reflects this level of local control. I support local control of these decisions over a one-sized-fits-all mandate from Harrisburg.

“Monroe Township’s farmland is one of Cumberland County’s greatest treasures, and prime agricultural land is a finite resource. Communities spend years carefully planning for future growth and determining how to balance agricultural, residential, commercial, and industrial uses. Those decisions should be respected.

“Industrial development should be directed toward existing industrial sites and areas already planned for these uses. Many communities are actively seeking economic development opportunities where facilities such as data centers may be a better fit.

“The proposed Monroe Township site is not an appropriate location for this project.

“In addition to my opposition to this proposed location, there are several critical questions that data center developers must answer before projects here or elsewhere move forward:

“Power: What impact will the facility have on our electrical grid and on ratepayers? As electricity prices continue to rise, we must ensure local residents are not left footing the bill for infrastructure upgrades or increased demand.

“Water: How much water will the facility require, and what effect will that usage have on local water resources and surrounding communities? Local residents should not bear the consequences of excessive resource demands created by new development.

“Environmental Impact: What environmental impacts will result from construction and operation of the facility, and how will those impacts be mitigated? We must ensure local residents’ health and quality of life are protected both now and in the future.

“Quality of Life: How will the facility affect nearby residents’ daily lives, including noise, traffic, lighting, views, property values, and overall community character? Development should not diminish the quality of life of those who call Monroe Township home.

“To address these concerns legislatively, I have cosponsored HB 2372, the Pennsylvania Ratepayer Protection Act. This bipartisan legislation would require data centers to construct their own electricity generation, pay the full cost of electric infrastructure and grid connections needed for their projects, and help ensure Pennsylvania ratepayers receive meaningful economic benefits from these projects.

“If you share concerns about this proposal, I encourage you to attend future township meetings, ask questions, and make your voice heard through the local review process. These issues deserve clear and thorough answers before any proposal receives serious consideration. Public input remains an essential part of that discussion.

“While I respect the authority of Monroe Township officials to make the final decision, I will continue to monitor this proposal closely and make my position clear: preserving Monroe Township’s agricultural character and ensuring responsible, community-focused development should remain the top priority.

“For questions, please contact my office at 717-975-2235 or visit my website at www.repkutz.com.”

Representative Thomas Kutz
87th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Katelin Morrison
717.260.6502
kmorrsion@pahousegop.com
RepKutz.com / Facebook.com/RepKutz