The Data Center Divide
A policy snapshot ahead of the 2026 midterms. Mapping data center incentives, restrictions, and bans through legislation, regulations, and executive actions across all 50 states and 1,462 local jurisdictions.
Bradford County
Anti-Data Center Policies
Bradford County’s enacted ordinance adds data-center site and planning studies on utilities, emergencies, community impacts, and decommissioning, though its description also calls it proposed.
current law · County measureAmends Bradford County’s Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO) to regulate data-center development and promote orderly facility design, construction, and decommissioning while protecting public health, safety, and welfare (approved Ordinance 2026-02).Bradford County SALDO Ordinance 2026-02 (2026)
What this means
The proposed county ordinance adds data-center-specific site and planning rules, including studies of utility demand, emergency response, community impacts, and decommissioning (additional regulations for data-center development). These requirements could add project costs and review time, but the sources describe no ban or moratorium.
People behind it
- Bradford County Commissioners
Unanimously approved Ordinance 2026-02 amending the county's Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance to regulate data-center development.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements8
Creates additional county regulations and definitions governing the subdivision, land development, design, construction, and decommissioning of data-center facilities and related site improvements.
Requires data-center development to address setbacks or distances from other properties and infrastructure.
Requires review of potential impacts on adjacent properties, including lighting and security impacts.
Requires review of the data center’s use of utility and power infrastructure, including power lines and substations.
Requires data-center land-development plans to include a system-impact study addressing anticipated demand for electricity, water, and sewer infrastructure.
Requires data-center land-development plans to include emergency-response information.
Requires analysis of community impacts from the proposed data center.
Requires decommissioning plans for data-center facilities.
Sources
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