Residents outraged over "vague" data center ordinance

A public hearing in Mahoning Township, Pennsylvania, drew a large crowd of residents to discuss a proposed ordinance aimed at restricting data centers to industrial zones. While residents generally agreed on the need for regulations, they voiced significant concerns that the presented ordinance was "incomplete" and "much too vague," lacking sufficient safeguards for the community. Key points of contention included potential health impacts, with residents citing issues like nausea, severe migraines, vertigo, and restlessness reported by those living near existing data centers. Many felt the board was not doing enough to protect the community, despite having the authority to implement stricter regulations. The Mahoning Township Board of Supervisors clarified that the ordinance was a precautionary measure, designed to establish regulations should a data center proposal arise, preventing them from being built anywhere, including residential areas. They argued that without the ordinance, developers could build data centers "in your front yard." Despite high tensions and audible disapproval from the audience, the board ultimately voted to pass the ordinance. Following the vote, the supervisors also decided to conduct a study to investigate potential noise levels and vibrations associated with data centers for safety reasons.