Allegheny County Council bill could ban data centers on county-owned properties
Allegheny County Council has introduced a bill to ban data center construction on nearly 30,000 acres of county-owned properties. The proposed legislation stems from growing concerns about data centers' high power and water consumption, and their potential environmental impacts. While County Executive Sara Innamorato has some reservations about the language, she is expected to sign the bill if it passes.
Allegheny County Council members Dan Grzybek and Bethany Hallam have introduced a bill that would prohibit data center construction on all county-owned properties, encompassing nearly 30,000 acres. The legislation, modeled on a 2022 ordinance banning natural gas drilling in county parks, explicitly includes facilities for blockchain transactions and cryptocurrency mining. Proponents cite growing concerns over data centers' immense power and water consumption—up to 5 million gallons of water daily and as much power as 100,000 homes—and their environmental impacts, arguing that public land should be preserved for general enjoyment, not corporate speculation.
Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato expressed appreciation for the council's initiative to protect public land but noted concerns regarding the bill's broad language and definitions. Despite this, a county spokesperson indicated she would likely sign it if it reaches her desk. Grzybek acknowledged the intentional breadth of the bill, stating he plans to introduce an amendment to clarify its scope, ensuring it doesn't affect existing IT infrastructure. Hallam hopes this bill will serve as a model for municipalities to enact their own bans.
This local action follows a broader trend in Pennsylvania, including Gov. Josh Shapiro's executive order to regulate data center developers and calls from residents and environmental groups for a statewide pause on development. Public opinion polls reflect widespread opposition, with a July Quinnipiac University poll showing 74% of Pennsylvanians against building AI data centers in their communities. Data center industry advocates, such as the Data Center Coalition, represented by Executive Vice President Dan Diorio, argue against bans, advocating for collaboration to meet community needs while fostering investment and highlighting the industry's commitment to responsible resource use.