Hempfield updates zoning confining data centers to industrial zones

Hempfield Township supervisors in Pennsylvania have proactively updated their zoning regulations to restrict future data center developments exclusively to industrial zones, as confirmed by planning manager Matthew Pernelli and township manager Aaron Siko. This decision was made despite Hempfield not having received any current data center proposals. The township aims to prepare for potential requests by getting ahead of the issue, unlike other local municipalities in the state that are currently managing data center construction or proposed projects. For instance, Springdale approved a conditional use application for Allegheny DC Property Co. to build a large complex at the former Cheswick Generating Station site. Additionally, Upper Burrell is developing an ordinance to address a proposed data center, which is the only one currently proposed in Westmoreland County. Another significant project highlighted is Homer City Redevelopment's $10 billion plan to build a data center plant on a 3,200-acre site in Indiana County, formerly a coal-fired power plant. This project, which has support from state officials including Gov. Josh Shapiro and state Sen. Joe Pittman, is expected to generate excess power for the interstate transmission grid and create numerous jobs.