Bensalem residents want heavy regulation on data centers
The Bensalem council in Pennsylvania has enacted a six-month pause on data center development to rewrite zoning rules due to resident concerns. Residents voiced alarms over potential strains on the electric grid, excessive water use, and environmental impacts. The council aims to create comprehensive regulations by September 2026, as current state and local laws are insufficient.
The Bensalem council in Pennsylvania has unanimously voted to enact a six-month moratorium on new data center development, giving itself until September 1, 2026, to draft and adopt new zoning regulations. The decision follows strong community opposition and concerns raised by approximately 25 residents at a recent council meeting.
Residents, including Emily Rose Patz, expressed alarm over the rapid growth of high-tech data centers, citing potential strains on local electric grids, excessive water consumption for cooling, and adverse environmental impacts. They demanded stringent regulations, independent monitoring, and requirements for data center operators to provide their own power, rather than burden the public grid.
Bensalem Solicitor Joe Pizzo noted that current township zoning laws lack a definition for data centers, and state laws offer little guidance on construction, security, fire prevention, and noise issues. He also informed residents that a complete ban on data centers is prohibited by state exclusionary zoning laws and could lead to lawsuits. The council's curative amendment aims to fill these regulatory gaps and prevent developers from forcing projects onto the township without adequate oversight.