As data centers expand, Lancaster County officials call for a pause and more local control
State Senator James Malone and Lancaster County officials are urging the Pennsylvania Senate to pass legislation that would allow municipalities to temporarily pause data center development. They argue local governments need time to create ordinances due to the rapid industry growth and concerns about noise, water consumption, and increased power demand. Two bills (SB 1345 and HB 2496) proposing moratoriums are currently awaiting action in the Senate.
State Sen. James Malone and local officials from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, are pressuring the Pennsylvania Senate to reconvene and pass legislation allowing municipalities to enact temporary moratoriums on data center development. During a news conference in West Hempfield Township, Sen. Malone, a Democrat, emphasized the need for local governments to have time to establish ordinances to regulate the rapidly expanding data center industry.
The proposed legislation, including Senate Bill 1345 and House Bill 2496, would grant municipalities the option to pause data center applications for 180 days or 18 months, respectively. Local officials, such as Heather Zink of Columbia Borough Council and Manheim Township Commissioner Carol Gifford, supported these bills, highlighting the technological advancement outpacing local officials' ability to understand impacts and develop effective policies. They also cited concerns about noise, significant water consumption, and increased demand for power, which could lead to higher utility rates for residents.
Public opposition to data centers in Pennsylvania has intensified, with a recent poll indicating 74% of voters oppose them. Malone pointed out that two new data centers in Lancaster City were approved without proper local zoning, being miscategorized as warehouses. While Governor Josh Shapiro's Responsible Infrastructure Development (GRID) standards provide a baseline for developers, Malone and local leaders believe stronger local control is necessary, urging Senate leaders to vote on the bills before the next scheduled session in late September.