Franklin County commissioners revise data center ordinance after public opposition
Franklin County Commissioners are revising a proposed data center ordinance after significant public opposition. The updated proposal removes requirements for data centers to offset energy use with solar power and drops nuclear energy as a recommended source. Another public hearing is scheduled.
Franklin County Commissioners are revising a proposed ordinance intended to regulate data centers, spurred by strong public opposition during an initial hearing. WGAL News 8 previously highlighted neighbors' pleas against allowing data centers in the region. Commissioners acknowledge the need for a regulatory plan and have adjusted the proposal.
Key changes in the updated plan include removing a requirement for data centers to offset 25% of their energy use with solar power and no longer recommending nuclear energy as a power source. Another public hearing is scheduled to discuss the revised ordinance.