Local Councils Approve Data Center Zoning Amid Resident Protests

Local governing bodies in Missouri and Pennsylvania recently approved zoning changes to facilitate data center development, sparking significant pushback from residents and environmental advocates.

In Missouri, the Franklin County Commission voted Tuesday to approve rezoning for two major projects: the Meramec Valley Technology Park south of Pacific and the Gateway Digital Campus near Villa Ridge. These projects are expected to generate billions in investment and thousands of construction jobs. To address concerns, the commission established new regulations including noise standards and $20,000 daily fines for violations. However, residents opposed the move, citing threats to endangered species near the Meramec River and concerns over water usage.

Similarly, the New Morgan Borough Council in Pennsylvania unanimously approved zoning changes Monday to allow data centers at the intersection of Route 10 and Furnace Road. The council re-designated the area from residential to industrial and created a data center overlay district. While borough officials described the move as a proactive way to expand the tax base, over 200 residents attended hearings to protest risks to groundwater and the rural character of southern Berks County.

Critics in both regions highlighted safety and environmental gaps. In Pennsylvania, State Representative Mark Gillen warned that the commonwealth is not prepared to address serious public health and safety concerns if a data center emergency occurs. The Hay Creek Watershed Association also expressed concern that limited protections could impact water quality and quantity.