White: Data Centers Should Have to Prove They Won’t Harm Clarion County

Clarion County, Pennsylvania officials are initiating discussions regarding potential regulations for data centers, driven by concerns over water consumption, power usage, noise pollution, and transparency. Commissioner Braxton White stated that while he supports development, he believes the onus should be on data center companies to demonstrate their projects will not adversely impact the community. He also expressed opposition to elected officials signing nondisclosure agreements with data center companies and to special tax breaks for the industry.

These local deliberations are influenced by Pennsylvania's history with industries that promised economic benefits but left environmental damage. White highlighted residents' skepticism, questioning if data centers would deplete local resources without providing substantial long-term jobs, referencing past boom-and-bust cycles. Commissioner Ted Tharan, while not taking a firm stance, pointed out that the former O-I glass plant site in Clarion Borough, a potential data center location, has a history of industrial use involving significant noise and resource consumption.

Clarion Borough Council proactively adopted an ordinance in January that restricts data centers to the borough’s Commercial Industrial zoning district, including the former glass plant site. This ordinance addresses issues such as noise, lighting, stormwater management, and resource usage. This local action comes as a statewide initiative, Senate Bill 1359, proposes a moratorium on hyperscale data center development and permitting across Pennsylvania, aiming to give local governments more time to evaluate risks and update regulations.