Data centers prompt calls for tougher fracking regs
Environmental and community groups in Pennsylvania are urging regulators to increase setback distances between natural gas wells and homes, schools and water sources, citing concerns tied to data center growth and fracking. Activists also called for a three-year data center moratorium, while the Department of Environmental Protection reviews a petition seeking stricter setback rules.
Environmental and community groups rallied at Pennsylvania’s Capitol to demand larger buffers between natural gas wells and homes, schools, hospitals and water sources. The groups have been waiting for the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to act on a 2024 petition asking the Environmental Quality Board to consider increasing the current 500-foot setback to roughly one kilometer.
The debate has intensified as artificial intelligence data center development increases demand for natural gas and electricity. Hanover Township resident Katie Weber said she is concerned about a proposed cluster of data centers powered by an on-site gas plant near her home, while advocates including Environmental Integrity Project representative Lisa Graves-Marcucci warned that data center-related gas use could increase pollution and health risks. Gov. Josh Shapiro has signed orders requiring data center developers to provide or purchase additional electric capacity, but DEP spokesman Neil Shader said the setback petition remains under review. The Marcellus Shale Coalition opposes the petition, arguing that changing statutory setbacks requires legislative action.