Municipalities back 180-day data center moratoriums to create rules ‘in peace’

Local government officials across Pennsylvania are implementing 180-day data center moratoriums, leveraging a provision in the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code. This allows entities without specific data center zoning language to pause proposals while they create and adopt appropriate regulations. East Whiteland Township in Chester County, for example, voted in March to begin its 180-day pause, even as an approved data center plan in its jurisdiction continues to generate controversy. Township Manager Steve Brown noted the intent is to "write a zoning ordinance in peace." Other municipalities, including West Whiteland Township, Madison Township, Pine Township, and Montour County, have also initiated similar pauses. Montour County Commissioner Chairperson Rebecca Dressler explained their November moratorium aimed "to make sure that we had a data center ordinance that provides guidelines to any developer." While state lawmakers are largely in favor of AI and data center development, State Sen. Katie Muth plans to introduce a bill for a statewide three-year moratorium on hyperscale data centers, and Sen. Jarrett Coleman is proposing legislation to solidify municipalities' ability to impose moratoriums, citing concerns about the current law's legal robustness. The municipal actions come amidst significant local opposition, with residents like Vitali Stanevich of East Whiteland Township expressing deep mistrust and concern over the impact of large data centers, including proximity to Superfund sites and the immense energy consumption required.