Springhill Township postpones votes on data center, power plant ordinances
The Springhill Township Board of Supervisors postponed votes on ordinances to regulate data centers and power plants to meet state notice requirements. They simultaneously enacted a temporary prohibition on new applications for these facilities until the next meeting. This comes amidst resident opposition and concerns about the adequacy of the proposed restrictions.
The Springhill Township Board of Supervisors tabled two resolutions that aim to regulate data centers and fossil fuel power plant facilities within the township. The postponement, made during a meeting on Thursday, was to ensure compliance with state requirements for public notice, with the votes now scheduled for the board's regularly monthly meeting on September 17.
Pending these votes, the board approved a resolution prohibiting any new applications for data centers or power plants in the township until the September meeting. Additionally, a related ordinance governing noise and dust within the township was adopted, setting specific decibel limits for facilities.
Solicitor James Tomasy explained that the drafting of these ordinances began earlier this year after Nadara, an independent power production company, expressed interest in 800 acres near Gans through a right-to-purchase agreement with the Fay-Penn Economic Council. The proposed ordinances would designate data centers and associated power plants as conditional uses in heavy industrial and light industrial zoning districts, contrasting with the current ordinance that allows undefined uses via special exception.
Approximately 40 residents attended the meeting, expressing strong opposition to data center development and questioning whether the proposed restrictions would be sufficient. Resident Jim French voiced concerns that state-level environmental approvals might override local township decisions. Township Supervisor Damon Hellen acknowledged the residents' worries but highlighted the advantage of having local ordinances, despite potential pressure from state authorities. Landowner Paul Kokot mentioned he had declined an offer to sell his property for a data center, despite a favorable offer.