Bethlehem considers new rules for future data center development
Bethlehem officials are considering new requirements for future data centers covering environmental assessments, water capacity, energy, wastewater, noise and vibration. The proposed rules would require developers to submit environmental and water-use reports and demonstrate adequate public water capacity before proceeding.
Bethlehem officials are developing rules to regulate future data center projects amid concerns about environmental impacts, water availability, energy use, wastewater and noise. Developers would need to provide environmental impact assessments, water utilization reports and evidence that sufficient public water capacity exists for proposed facilities.
The proposal also calls for energy and wastewater requirements, sound studies and limits on data center-related vibrations. Officials were scheduled to consider the rules at a meeting at Bethlehem City Hall, as communities across the region debate the effects of data center growth and artificial intelligence infrastructure.