Bethlehem looks to set new guardrails for data center development
Bethlehem officials are considering new requirements for future data center developments, including environmental impact assessments, water-use reports, public water capacity demonstrations, energy and wastewater standards, and noise limits. The proposed rules follow new statewide data center guardrails established by Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro.
Bethlehem officials are preparing to consider regulations governing future data center development at a meeting at City Hall. The proposed requirements would make developers submit environmental impact assessments and water-utilization reports, while demonstrating that sufficient public water capacity exists for a project.
The rules would also address energy use, wastewater, utility impacts on residents and noise, including vibrations associated with data center operations. The proposal comes after Gov. Josh Shapiro established statewide guardrails, making Bethlehem one of the first communities to develop its own local guidelines.