Clinton Township rejects Linde Corp data center plan
The Clinton Township Supervisors and Planning Commission rejected a proposed $6 billion data center project by Linde Corporation in Wayne County, Pennsylvania. This decision came after significant community opposition, including a petition with 500 signatures and concerns over the environmental impact on 700 acres of trees. While residents are celebrating this as a victory, they anticipate an appeal from Linde Corporation, indicating the battle is likely not over.
The Clinton Township Planning Commission and Township Supervisors in Wayne County, Pennsylvania, have rejected a proposed $6 billion data center project by Linde Corporation. This decision follows strong community opposition, marking what residents are calling a "small victory" in the ongoing fight against data centers in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
According to Joe Mason of 28/22 News, the Planning Commission initially recommended against the project, a stance upheld by the Township supervisors in their subsequent vote. An attorney representing Linde Corporation reportedly pushed back on the decision, though without success. Residents, particularly members of the "Save Brown Dale Mountain Group," expressed environmental concerns, specifically the potential destruction of over 700 acres of trees.
Katie Zeffron, co-president of the "Save Brown Dale Mountain Group," noted the excitement but cautioned that the victory might be short-lived, predicting an appeal from Linde Corporation based on similar past processes in other municipalities. The decision came days after the commission had requested more time for concrete reasoning. Community efforts against the 20-building campus included a petition garnering around 500 signatures and the retention of an attorney to aid their fight. Despite the expected appeal, locals are celebrating the immediate rejection, highlighting the power of community coalition.