Lancaster County leaders push for data center moratorium
Local leaders in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, are urging state senators to return to Harrisburg to pass legislation. This legislation would grant municipalities more time and resources to update local ordinances and implement guardrails for future data center development, potentially including a 200-day moratorium.
Local leaders in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, are advocating for a pause in data center development, specifically a potential 200-day moratorium, to allow municipalities to implement stronger regulations. As reported by CBS 21's Fatima Moien from Lancaster County, municipalities are increasingly being approached by large tech companies for data center projects, leading to struggles for local governments.
Representatives from the Borough of Columbia, West Hempfield Township, East Hempfield Township, and Manheim Township voiced their concerns today. They highlighted common issues arising from these developments, including noise complaints, intense land use, and significant demands on local resources like water and electricity. Their primary concern is the lack of adequate state resources to help smaller governments effectively navigate these complex business proposals.
These local leaders are calling on Republican state senators to reconvene in Harrisburg to pass House and Senate bills. Such legislation would provide the necessary time and resources for municipalities to research issues, update local ordinances, and establish protective 'guardrails' for future data center development, ensuring communities can make informed decisions.