Clarion County Officials Considering Data Center Ordinance
Clarion County officials are in the early stages of considering a data center ordinance to address community concerns regarding water, power, noise, and potential tax implications. This local discussion occurs as Pennsylvania lawmakers are also weighing a bill for a statewide moratorium on hyperscale data center development. Clarion Borough Council has already approved its own data center ordinance proactively.
Clarion County officials are in the nascent stages of discussing a potential ordinance to regulate data center development within the county. Commissioner Braxton White stated he is not opposed to development but believes companies should prove their projects will not harm the community, citing concerns over water and power consumption, noise pollution, and a desire for transparency from developers.
The discussions come amidst a broader trend of data center expansion in Pennsylvania and reflect a regional skepticism born from past industrial developments that left environmental damage without long-term local benefits. Commissioner White expressed opposition to non-disclosure agreements with data center companies and special tax breaks. He noted that a properly reviewed project could bring property tax revenue and construction jobs, but questioned the number of permanent local jobs.
Adding to the context, Pennsylvania lawmakers are also considering Senate Bill 1359, which proposes a statewide moratorium on hyperscale data center development and permitting. This bill, introduced by Senator Katie Muth, aims to provide local governments more time to evaluate risks and update zoning rules. Separately, Clarion Borough Council proactively approved its own data center ordinance in January, limiting such facilities to the Commercial Industrial zoning district and addressing issues like noise, lighting, and water usage, even without an active development proposal.