Moosic Borough Council to Review Data Center Zoning Ordinance
Moosic Borough Council will consider a zoning ordinance on March 31, 2026, aimed at regulating data centers, including restrictions on the use of backup generators. This ordinance arises amid the proposal of nearly 100 data centers across Lackawanna County, addressing evolving community concerns regarding their environmental impacts.
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On March 31, 2026, the Moosic Borough Council will evaluate an 18-page zoning ordinance regulating data centers, including a prohibition on using backup generators for grid support. This proposed legislation reflects nearly a year of research and public hearings, aimed at addressing issues such as noise, emissions, and safety concerns associated with data centers, particularly their diesel generators.
The ordinance requires developers to submit detailed energy management, emergency management, and thermal impact plans. Additionally, it stipulates maximum building heights, sound studies, and decommissioning procedures.
Failure to establish these regulations may expose the borough to legal challenges regarding exclusionary zoning practices. The outcomes of this ordinance could influence future data center projects in the region and set a precedent for environmental regulations in similar municipalities.
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