Schuylkill County making ordinance changes as state tightens data center rules
Schuylkill County is in the process of amending its zoning ordinance to include regulations for data centers and battery storage sites. This action comes as the Pennsylvania Governor's administration is also moving to tighten state-level regulations on data center development, driven by constituent concerns regarding issues like electricity and water use.
Schuylkill County Commissioner Gary Hess confirmed that the county is revising its zoning ordinance to address data center and battery storage site developments. This local initiative aligns with the Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro's administration's broader effort to increase regulatory oversight on data center projects across the state, a response to significant constituent concerns.
Hess indicated that the commissioners have agreed on the necessity for new regulatory language to manage the impact of these developments on community quality-of-life issues, specifically citing electricity and water consumption. He emphasized the importance of developers acting as "responsible neighbors" and respecting local land and communities.