Indiana County Opens Online Portal for Data Center Comments
Indiana County Commissioners have opened an online portal for public comments concerning the Homer City Generation project and proposed AI data centers in Center Township. This action follows significant resident opposition, with local groups advocating for robust ordinances and a state-level moratorium on AI data center development. A town hall meeting is also planned to discuss the matter further.
The Indiana County Commissioners have launched an online portal for public comments regarding the Homer City Generation project and proposed AI data centers in Center Township. This action comes after numerous residents, including the group Concerned Residents of Western PA (CROW), voiced opposition at commissioner meetings. The portal will remain open until July 20th.
Byron Stauffer from the county Office of Planning and Development clarified that while land use decisions primarily rest with municipalities, the county administers its Subdivision And Land Development Ordinance, empowering commissioners to establish safeguards and guide local decision-making. The commissioners previously indicated that a town hall meeting on the issue is also planned.
CROW has advocated for a town hall and the enactment of stringent ordinances against AI data centers, praising the portal as a positive step. The group further urged county commissioners to press state leaders for a moratorium on AI data center projects, referencing a bill introduced by Senator Katie Muth.