CLINTON TWP., PA — Opponents of data center expansion in Northeast Pennsylvania scored a key victory Wednesday night after Clinton Township officials voted unanimously to reject a proposed $6 billion data center development submitted by Linde Corporation.
The decision came following a recommendation from the Clinton Township Planning Commission, which urged local supervisors to deny the massive industrial application. Taking swift action, the Board of Supervisors agreed with the advisory board's findings and formally voted down the project during their public meeting.
Clinton Township Supervisor Ken Coles stated that the application was denied primarily because the developer failed to meet specific technical standards set forth under the Pennsylvania Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO). Local officials noted that the plans lacked critical details regarding environmental protections, stormwater management, and local infrastructure impacts necessary for approval under municipal regulations.
While community members in attendance celebrated the township's decision, local leadership emphasized that the legal process may not be over. Representatives for Linde Corporation are widely expected to appeal the township’s rejection in Wayne County Court, which could prolong the legal dispute over the proposed energy-intensive computing facility.
