Lancaster County officials push for pause on data center projects amid zoning concerns

Lancaster County officials and some state lawmakers are urging the Pennsylvania Senate to reconvene immediately and pass bipartisan legislation that would allow local governments to implement temporary moratoriums on new hyperscale data center applications. This push comes amid growing public concern, evident in "social media fired up and packed township board meetings," regarding data center developments in the Susquehanna Valley.

Local leaders, including State Senator James Malone, expressed during a rally in West Hempfield today that data center development is advancing faster than municipalities can study their effects and update zoning ordinances. Residents from Manheim Township, Columbia Borough, and West Hempfield Township voiced concerns about the projects' potential impacts on electricity costs and capacity, water usage, and noise pollution.

Currently, three hyperscale data center projects are under construction in the Susquehanna Valley; two are in Lancaster County, and one in Cumberland County is poised to become the largest facility of its kind in Pennsylvania. Two legislative proposals are awaiting action in committee: House Bill 2496, which would permit an optional 180-day municipal moratorium and passed the House with a 201-1 vote, and Senate Bill 1345, which proposes an optional 18-month municipal moratorium. Additionally, the Governor's office is developing "GRID standards" that would require developers to submit applications outlining environmental protection, energy affordability, and economic development benefits to qualify for tax incentives.

Advocates at the rally urged for the passage of these bills to provide local control and safeguard communities. Although the full Senate is not scheduled to return until September 28th, speakers are pressing Senate President Pro Tem Kim Ward for earlier action.