East Manchester Township approves 2 new data center ordinances

The East Manchester Township Board of Supervisors in Pennsylvania unanimously approved two new data center ordinances during a meeting following a public hearing. The first ordinance establishes regulations for the siting, design, construction, and operation of data centers within the township, while the second creates a data center overlay district on a specific plot of land near Gravel Hill and Saginaw Road. Local residents, including Adam Wolf whose family farm is adjacent to the new data center district, voiced strong opposition, citing worries about the environmental impact and disruption to natural habitats. Another resident, Mike Schriefer, acknowledged that the board addressed some concerns by implementing requirements such as limiting building height to 55 feet, mandating a 500-foot setback, and requiring sound studies. However, Schriefer believes the ordinances remain unpopular, stating that 90% of the township would oppose them if a vote were held. Township supervisors, including Dean Kohr, explained that Pennsylvania law mandates them to identify suitable locations for data center development, indicating their hands were tied and they would have rejected the motion if legally possible. Kohr noted they tried to make the development "as unattractive as possible" while remaining compliant with state law to avoid legal challenges. Following the approval, Schriefer expressed his intention to organize neighbors to demand a statewide data center moratorium from state lawmakers, believing that a unified voice will have a greater impact.