Franklin County residents speak against data center amendment

Residents of Franklin County, Pennsylvania, are vocally opposing a proposed amendment to the county's development ordinance regarding data centers. During a public meeting, residents, including one nurse, expressed strong concerns about the substantial land, power, and water consumption of data centers, highlighting fears of increased electricity costs affecting local residents. The proposed amendment seeks to establish guidelines for potential data center developments in the county, including noise limits, water study standards, environmental impact analyses, and a requirement for 25% renewable energy operation. However, some residents doubt the amendment's effectiveness, arguing that it does not go far enough to prevent negative impacts or should include a 100% renewable energy requirement. County officials indicated that they cannot legally outright reject data centers, but the amendment is an attempt to impose as many restrictions as possible to mitigate negative effects. Council members are taking time to dissect the proposed changes and are scheduled to make a decision on the amendment by April 28th.