Thank you letter to Senator Coleman for meeting to discuss data centers

Dear Jarrett and Leo -

Thanks for taking time to meet with Owen, Yvette, and me about data centers, Know you are busy. We have corresponded previously about my views on blind support of data center capacity for AI (in this letter.)

The only thing I would add to that perspective is requiring PJM and utilities to use existing right of ways for new transmission capacity unless the capacity is part of a PUC approved master plan. There should not be willy nilly taking of people's property for data centers by claiming eminent domain. That taking would not clearly be for the public good. This will become a third rail issue for politicians should you all blindly march into the rage.

Support your related bills (Senate Bill 1344 and House Bill 2532 and Senate Bill 1345 and House Bill 2533) for removing a legacy tax break for data centers and to provide local governments the ability to enact an 18 month moratorium. Would love to see your bills pass quickly so we can see how Josh Shapiro handles the bills before the election. If they are deferred to after the election, I will view them as political pyrotechnics and not serious.

There are issues like power and gas transmission and electrical generation that are clearly too large for anyone other than the State to handle. So your bills are a good start but do not fully address the bigger picture.

Would love to see your support for renewables translate into legislation and budget action. Was also happy to hear your opposition to the Atlas Data Center.

Enjoyed talking about your family's hunting and fishing history. People who enjoy the outdoors often understand the importance of preserving natural resources for future generations.

Hope you had a wonderful Fathers Day and look forward meeting again, as you and Leo suggested.

Cordially,

John