Franklin County advances AI data center ordinance amid water, noise concerns

Franklin County Commissioners are moving forward with a new ordinance aimed at regulating AI data centers within the county, as massive server warehouse projects continue to appear across Pennsylvania. A recent public meeting was heavily attended by residents expressing serious concerns about the potential impacts of these centers, including excessive water usage, noise pollution, environmental degradation, and rising electricity costs that could threaten homeowners. Attorney Scott Weiland, who has represented Franklin County in past legal cases, explained that the county's authority is limited regarding some of these concerns. Water issues typically fall under the Department of Environmental Protection, while electricity matters are handled by the Public Utility Commission (PUC). Weiland noted Pennsylvania's unique legal landscape, where land use is highly municipalized, making it difficult for counties to enact outright bans on specific uses, as every community generally must accommodate every type of use. Despite these limitations, the Commissioners advanced their proposed ordinance. Key provisions include a 1,000-foot setback requirement from roads and neighboring properties, as well as 200-foot buffers from waterways. The ordinance also mandates rules to mitigate impacts such as noise, glare, and odor, demonstrating an effort by county leadership to prepare for and manage the arrival of data centers in areas like Chambersburg and Waynesboro.