Data center critics want Upper Burrell to also regulate electric plants that could power the centers
Protect PT and roughly 25 supporters are urging Upper Burrell Township to regulate power plants that could serve a planned data center complex. TECFusion plans to expand its existing facility across the former Alcoa/Arconic campus, while the township’s 180-day moratorium on new data center development remains in effect through Nov. 2.
Protect PT is pressing Upper Burrell Township officials to adopt an ordinance governing fossil-fuel power plants that could supply a proposed data center expansion. The draft would require such plants to comply with environmental, zoning and public health and safety rules. The group also proposed changes to the township’s comprehensive plan and noise ordinance, including provisions addressing very low-frequency industrial noise.
The effort comes as TECFusion plans to develop the remainder of the 1,395-acre former Alcoa/Arconic campus into a large data center complex, eventually targeting 3 gigawatts of capacity for high-density artificial intelligence and computing infrastructure. Upper Burrell has already enacted a 180-day moratorium on new data center development, set to expire Nov. 2, while the township considers permanent regulations. Protect PT is encouraging residents to attend upcoming supervisors and planning commission meetings before an ordinance is finalized.