Kline Township Planning Commission recommends conditions for Amazon Data Center

The Kline Township Planning Commission, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, unanimously voted 3-0 to recommend conditions for Amazon's proposed nine-building data center campus. This action follows four hearings and moves the project closer to a decision by the Kline Township Board of Supervisors, which is scheduled to vote on Wednesday.

The proposed campus, known as the Kline Township Innovation Campus, would be situated on approximately 380 acres between Haddock and Lofty roads and Interstate 81. Amazon Web Services (AWS) plans a significant investment in Pennsylvania's digital infrastructure for AI and cloud computing. The property, acquired in 2025, was previously permitted for a large warehouse project.

Key issues discussed during the hearing included noise mitigation, electromagnetic fields, and electrical infrastructure. Residents, such as Jerry Joyce and Tina Romanowski, expressed ongoing concerns about potential noise from the 24/7 facility, despite Amazon agreeing to third-party noise monitoring and additional mitigation requirements. Amazon also faced questions regarding electromagnetic fields, which it stated are not typically modeled in this permitting process.

Furthermore, the project's history with Pennsylvania's 'Fast Track' permitting program was raised. Gov. Josh Shapiro had previously issued an executive order removing data centers from this program due to public concerns, leading some residents to question the thoroughness of earlier reviews. The planning commission's recommended conditions include requirements for Amazon to obtain necessary agency approvals, provide financial security, comply with environmental protections, and address water, wastewater, and emergency response needs. Although the project currently complies with township zoning ordinances, Amazon has not yet submitted a zoning permit.