Lancaster County Officials Push for Moratorium on New Data Centers in Pennsylvania
Lancaster County leaders are advocating for a temporary halt on new hyperscale data center applications to allow for local ordinance updates and resource assessment. Two legislative proposals are currently pending to facilitate this pause, reflecting growing public concern over environmental and service impacts.
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Local officials in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, are urging state lawmakers to approve legislation enabling municipalities to impose a temporary moratorium on new hyperscale data center applications. Specifically, House Bill 2496 proposes a 180-day moratorium, while Senate Bill 1345 seeks to extend this period to 18 months.
Community concerns include impacts on electricity costs, water use, noise, and pollution. Currently, three data centers are under construction in the region, with one projected to be the largest in the state.
Local leaders stress the need for time and resources to address these developments responsibly and establish new zoning ordinances. The Pennsylvania Senate is scheduled to reconvene on September 28, 2026, amidst calls for immediate legislative action to address these issues.
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