York County authorities propose new regulations for data centers to manage energy demands

In a recent meeting held on June 17, 2025, the York County Board of Supervisors engaged in a detailed discussion regarding proposed regulations for data centers, reflecting growing concerns about their energy consumption and infrastructure impact. The board's deliberations were prompted by the increasing demand for data centers, which are known to be significant consumers of electricity and water.

The primary focus of the meeting was to establish performance standards for data centers, particularly concerning their energy requirements. Supervisors expressed the need for data centers to provide documentation from their electricity providers, confirming that the local grid can support their anticipated energy load. This requirement aims to prevent potential overloads that could affect local residents and businesses.

One notable point of discussion was the proposed condition that if a data center ceases operations for 30 consecutive days, it must provide evidence of its operational status or plans for corrective measures. This provision is intended to ensure that abandoned facilities do not become a burden on the community. However, some board members raised concerns about the disparity between the 30-day requirement for data centers and longer periods for other types of businesses, such as car washes, which have a nine-month threshold.

The board also considered the implications of data centers on local infrastructure, particularly regarding electricity and water capacity. Supervisors highlighted the importance of understanding how much energy these facilities would consume and ensuring that the local grid can handle the additional load without passing costs onto residents. The discussion included the potential for data centers to utilize alternative energy sources, such as solar or nuclear power, although the current regulations primarily focus on electricity drawn from the grid.

Public input during the meeting emphasized the need for noise and lighting regulations to mitigate the impact of data centers on nearby residential areas. Residents expressed concerns about light pollution and constant noise from cooling systems, urging the board to incorporate stricter standards into the proposed regulations.

In conclusion, the York County Board of Supervisors is taking proactive steps to regulate data centers, aiming to balance economic development with community welfare. The proposed amendments are expected to undergo further revisions based on feedback from both board members and the public, ensuring that the final regulations adequately address the concerns raised during the meeting. The board plans to revisit the discussion in future sessions, reflecting its commitment to thorough oversight of this growing industry.