Brookville Borough Pauses Potential Data Center Development
Brookville Borough Council in Jefferson County, PA, approved a 180-day moratorium on data center development, blocking the use of borough water resources for such facilities. This decision was driven by concerns over potential high water usage from two possible data center projects in nearby townships and the lack of existing local regulations.
The Brookville Borough Council in Jefferson County, Pennsylvania, has enacted a 180-day moratorium on data center development. The council's decision, which also prohibits data centers from utilizing the borough's water resources, comes amid growing statewide controversy surrounding these facilities and their environmental impact.
Officials were prompted to act after learning about two potential data center projects in Pine Creek and Rose townships, which could each demand over 1.2 million gallons of water daily. Borough leaders expressed concern that due to a lack of existing subdivision ordinances at the county level, these projects could proceed without adequate local oversight.
The six-month pause is intended to provide the borough with time to thoroughly study the potential impact on local water systems and ensure the protection of residents' needs. No formal plans for either project have been filed to date.