York County township passes 2 new data center ordinances on Wednesday
The East Manchester Township Board of Supervisors in York County, PA, approved two new data center ordinances despite strong resident opposition. These ordinances regulate data center operations and establish a new overlay district for development. Residents raised environmental concerns and are now seeking a state-level moratorium on data centers.
The East Manchester Township Board of Supervisors in York County, Pennsylvania, recently approved two new ordinances concerning data center development. This decision followed a heated public hearing where residents voiced strong opposition to the proposals. One ordinance establishes regulations for the siting, design, construction, and operation of data centers within the township, while the second creates a specific data center overlay district near Gravel Hill and Saginaw Road.
Adam Wolf, whose family farm is adjacent to the proposed district, expressed concerns about the potential negative impact on local wildlife and natural habitats. He fears the development will strain deer and turkey populations. Mike Schrieffer acknowledged that the ordinances addressed some resident concerns, such as noise control and setback limits, but believes the measures remain highly unpopular within the township, estimating 90% opposition.
Township supervisors, however, explained that Pennsylvania law mandates them to identify suitable areas for data center development. They stated their efforts were to make the development "as unattractive as possible but still remain legal" to avoid legal challenges. In response, Schrieffer is organizing neighbors to advocate for a statewide data center moratorium from state lawmakers, believing a collective voice will be more effective.