‘This isn’t something we’ve ever taken lightly’: Plains Twp. weighs data center zoning
Plains Township residents voiced concerns about environmental and property impacts at a public meeting discussing proposed zoning amendments for a data center and energy district. Commissioners stated the proactive zoning aims to control future development, while a State Representative discussed pending state legislation to regulate data centers' energy and water use. Opposition from residents is ongoing, particularly regarding health and property values.
Plains Township, Pennsylvania, held a packed public meeting where residents expressed significant concerns regarding proposed zoning amendments. These amendments aim to establish a technology and energy district for data centers, windmills, and solar farms near the Pennsylvania Turnpike, on land currently designated for conservation. Residents, including Theresa Sanchez and Charles Adonizio, voiced fears about potential health effects, environmental impacts, and declining property values should the overlay be approved. Patricia McGarry, a cancer survivor, highlighted potential health risks and questioned whether the zoning could lead to further development in surrounding communities.
Plains Township Board of Commissioners Chairman Thomas Shubilla explained that the board has not received any data center applications but is proactively establishing zoning regulations to better control potential future development. He stressed that the township is working within existing state and federal laws and intends to hold another meeting for resident feedback. State Representative Eddie Day Pashinski (D-Luzerne) attended, outlining three state House bills awaiting Senate action: House Bill 1834 for data center regulations including energy and utility oversight, House Bill 2150 for annual energy and water consumption reporting, and House Bill 2151 for a model municipal zoning ordinance. Pashinski emphasized that residents should not bear the infrastructure costs of private development.
The proposed ordinance includes development requirements such as setbacks, height limitations, and noise restrictions. Public comment at the meeting was limited to Plains Township residents and property owners, despite interest from neighboring Bear Creek Township residents. The commissioners did not identify any specific data center developer or pending application during the discussion.