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Upper Merion advisors begin drafting ordinance to limit data-center emissions and noise
Summary
At its Feb. 3 meeting the Upper Merion Environmental Advisory Council discussed drafting an ordinance to address data-center siting, require electrification of on-site generation, and create noise rules; members cited state examples and a referenced HB2151 as models.
The Upper Merion Environmental Advisory Council discussed drafting an ordinance on Feb. 3 to regulate large data centers in the township, focusing on on-site power generation, noise and siting requirements.
Committee member Jarrett Lash said the council is beginning to write rules that would address where mega data centers can locate and how they handle backup power. He raised three specific areas for the ordinance to cover: requiring emission-free backup generation (for example, solar), creating noise limits or a noise ordinance for large installations that can vibrate nearby properties, and asking developers to perform pre-construction studies and pay targeted fees when appropriate.
Lash referenced examples in other jurisdictions and current legislative activity, noting that "Montana, Pennsylvania and New York" were cited in the meeting as having stronger data-center ordinances, and that HB2151 was mentioned as a bill that would direct a governor-related center to develop a model for data-center standards. He also pointed to Boulder as an example where new buildings must be all-electric, and suggested Upper Merion could explore similar electrification requirements.
Discussion also covered zoning and incentive mechanisms. Lash proposed limiting locations for large data centers by zoning and size, reviewing floor-area-ratio (FAR) rules to change building-to-lot relationships, and using incentives such as higher allowable building heights tied to LEED compliance to encourage lower-emission designs. He framed the effort as part of a broader goal to make Upper Merion less car-centric and more people-centric in future development.
No formal motion or vote on an ordinance was recorded at the meeting; members discussed options and examples to inform a draft. The council did not adopt specific regulatory language or set a timetable for a formal proposal during this session.
What comes next: the council indicated it will continue research and outreach (including talking with neighboring municipalities) before drafting ordinance text to present at a future meeting.
