Brookville Approves 180-Day Data Center Moratorium Over Water Concerns
Brookville Borough Council has unanimously approved a 180-day moratorium on data center development within the borough, citing significant water demand concerns from potential projects in nearby townships. This pause allows officials time to study the issue, understand state-level discussions, and ensure responsible development before any formal applications are filed. The move comes as local governments across Pennsylvania are increasingly scrutinizing data centers' resource requirements.
The Brookville Borough Council in Pennsylvania has unanimously enacted a 180-day moratorium on data center development within the borough, explicitly prohibiting such facilities from utilizing borough water resources. Council Second Vice-President Randy Bartley introduced the motion following reports of two potential data center projects in neighboring Pine Creek and Rose townships, neither of which has filed formal applications. Bartley expressed concern that these projects, if developed, could collectively demand up to 2.4 million gallons of water daily, potentially straining the borough's water system which also serves surrounding areas like Corsica and Pinecreek Elementary School.
Bartley emphasized that the moratorium is a precautionary measure to allow officials more time to study the implications of large-scale water consumption by data centers and to understand ongoing discussions among state lawmakers in Harrisburg regarding data center issues, including Senate Bill 1359, which proposes a statewide moratorium on hyperscale data center development. He clarified that the pause is not intended as a permanent ban but rather to ensure responsible development. The council's action reflects a broader trend among Pennsylvania's local governments to scrutinize data centers due to their significant electricity and water demands. Brookville also noted a newer zoning area along Allegheny Boulevard within the borough where a data center could be directed if proposed, while Rose Township currently lacks zoning regulations.