Warren County officials say public hearings will be held before any proposed regulations on data centers are finalized, responding to growing community concerns about water usage, infrastructure demands and potential future development.

During Wednesday’s Warren County Commissioners meeting, local resident Piper VanOrd, owner of Allegheny Outfitters, urged county leaders to ensure residents have opportunities to weigh in as officials draft a proposed data center ordinance.

“I’m not trying to be alarmist, but there is concern,” VanOrd told commissioners.

VanOrd requested that the county commit to holding public hearings while regulations are still in draft form rather than after plans are finalized. She noted that many residents are particularly concerned about impacts to local water resources.

County officials responded that public hearings are legally required for any amendments to zoning or subdivision ordinances and said the county intends to publicize the process through newspapers, social media and other outreach methods.

Officials said no known data center proposals currently exist for Warren County, though they want regulations in place should future development interest emerge. Commissioners noted that data centers can vary significantly in size, from small, portable units to multi-acre facilities which can require large amounts of electricity and water.

Planning officials also stressed that the ordinance remains in its early research stages.

Planning Director Michael Lyon previously told commissioners during April’s meeting that county staff have been studying how other municipalities are approaching data center development and consulting with engineers and planning experts.

Lyon said Warren County is unlikely to attract the massive facilities associated with major metropolitan areas and large technology companies.

Data centers are facilities used to house servers and networking equipment and have become one of the nation’s fastest-growing industries amid increasing demand for artificial intelligence systems.

Supporters say such projects can generate tax revenue and construction jobs, while critics nationwide have raised concerns over power consumption, water use and land impacts.

During Wednesday’s discussion, commissioners said county planners are researching regulations adopted elsewhere and may form a special committee involving residents and experts to help shape local rules.

County officials said an initial draft of potential regulations could be presented in the coming months.