Montco towns press forward on environmental plans
Montgomery County is developing a sustainability plan focused on clean energy, renewable transportation and reducing environmental impacts. Data centers were a major topic at a local town hall, where officials discussed their potential water, energy and pollution impacts; state Rep. Napoleon Nelson opposed a proposed data center moratorium while supporting stronger environmental standards.
Montgomery County Chief Sustainability Officer Devi Ramkissoon presented the county’s developing environmental plan at an Oct. 1 town hall hosted by state Rep. Napoleon Nelson. The plan, being drafted by the county Department of Sustainability, targets fully clean county operations by 2035 and renewable heat and transportation by 2050. A first draft is expected in December, while local environmental advisory groups continue sustainability initiatives in Cheltenham Township, Jenkintown Borough and Springfield Township.
Data centers received significant attention at the meeting because of their potential demand for water and electricity, as well as possible air pollution and greenhouse-gas emissions. Nelson said he supported environmental requirements for developers, including measures for hyperscale facilities in environmental justice communities, but opposed a moratorium proposed by state Sen. Katie Muth. The Pennsylvania House has passed legislation incorporating Gov. Josh Shapiro’s GRID standards for data center developers, though the article does not report final enactment.