On the agenda: Luzerne County meeting — data center (Jul 15)

LUZERNE COUNTY COUNCIL
INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE MEETING
Council Meeting Room
Luzerne County Courthouse
200 N. River Street
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701
AND
Video/Teleconference via ZOOM
July 15, 2025
6:00 PM
6:00 PM CALL TO ORDER
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND MOMENT OF SILENCE
ROLL CALL
DELETIONS FROM AGENDA
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
AGENDA ITEMS
1. Approve Recorded Minutes from the April 15, 2025 Meeting
2. Discussion and Possible Action on a Resolution Opposing the Proposed Construction of a
Plastics Pyrolysis Plant by Alterra Energy LLC in Sugarloaf Township, as requested by the
Butler Township Board of Supervisors
3. Discussion and Possible Action on a Resolution Opposing the Proposed 500kv Double-Circuit
High-Voltage Transmission Line Through Sugarloaf Township and the Conyngham Valley, as
Raised by the Sugarloaf Township Board of Supervisors and Local Residents
PUBLIC COMMENT
This is an opportunity for members of the public to address the Committee on any agenda or
non-agenda item within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Committee. Each speaker shall
have three (3) minutes to address the Committee. Speakers may not yield or transfer their
time to another speaker.
Those attending in person are asked to complete and submit a Speaker Card to the Clerk of
Council before the first speaker is called.
Those attending virtually are asked to refer to the Public Meetings Online page of County’s
Website at https://www.luzernecounty.org/1279/Public-Meetings-Online for more information
on how to participate in Public Comment via technology.
ADJOURNMENT

Alterra resolution draft:
WHEREAS, significant portions of Luzerne County remain free from
heavy industrialization and sprawl, contributing to the County’s
environmental, agricultural, and economic vitality, and preserving the
health and quality of life of its residents; and
WHEREAS, many residents of Luzerne County, including those in
Butler Township and Sugarloaf Township, have chosen to live in this
region to enjoy its natural beauty, tranquility, and freedom from
industrial pollution; and
WHEREAS, Article I, Section 27 of the Constitution of the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania declares: “The people have a right to
clean air, pure water, and to the preservation of the natural, scenic,
historic and esthetic values of the environment”; and
WHEREAS, Alterra Energy LLC of Akron, Ohio, has proposed to
construct a plastics pyrolysis plant at 42 Tomhicken Road in Sugarloaf
Township, which would involve transporting approximately 100,000
tons annually of discarded plastic from across the tri-state area,
including major urban centers such as New York City and
Philadelphia, into Luzerne County; and
WHEREAS, the proposed plant would reportedly produce
approximately 80,000 tons per year of a fuel product derived from the
pyrolysis of plastic waste; and
WHEREAS, the pyrolysis process has the potential to emit toxic
chemicals and pollutants which, if released into the environment,
could adversely affect air quality, water resources, and soil health,
potentially causing irreversible harm; and

WHEREAS, given the prevailing wind patterns and weather systems
moving from the west and southwest, there is concern that emissions
or accidental releases from such a facility could directly impact
communities throughout Luzerne County, including Butler Township
and surrounding areas; and
WHEREAS, under the Precautionary Principle—recognized by the
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection in situations
where even low-probability events could cause catastrophic
consequences—such an industrial facility should be prohibited from
locating in an area where it poses potential risks to public health and
environmental integrity; and
WHEREAS, it is the duty of Luzerne County Council to protect the
health, safety, and welfare of County residents and to safeguard the
County’s natural resources for current and future generations,
consistent with the rights guaranteed by the Pennsylvania
Constitution;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Luzerne County
Council hereby expresses its strong opposition to the siting and
operation of the proposed plastics pyrolysis plant by Alterra Energy
LLC at 42 Tomhicken Road in Sugarloaf Township; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Luzerne County Council urges
the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and any
other relevant regulatory agencies to deny permits or approvals for the
proposed facility; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the County Manager and County
staff are authorized and directed to communicate this Resolution to the
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, the
Pennsylvania General Assembly, Governor of Pennsylvania, local
municipal governments, and other appropriate entities.

A Resolution of the Luzerne County Council Opposing the Construction of PPL’s Proposed
500kV Double-Circuit Transmission Line Through Sugarloaf Township and Surrounding
Communities
WHEREAS, PPL Electric Utilities Corporation (“PPL”) has proposed the construction of
approximately twelve (12) miles of 500kV double-circuit high-voltage transmission lines
running from the Humboldt Industrial Park to Nescopeck, traversing multiple municipalities
including Sugarloaf Township, Nescopeck Township, Black Creek Township, and Hazle
Township; and

WHEREAS, the proposed project involves the widening of existing utility corridors and the
erection of new, significantly taller transmission towers, altering the character and scenic quality
of the affected areas; and

WHEREAS, numerous residents, property owners, and community organizations have expressed
deep concerns regarding potential negative impacts on property values, community aesthetics,
the environment, and public health, including possible exposure to electromagnetic fields; and

WHEREAS, the proposed power line project is perceived by many as disproportionately
benefiting private industrial developments and data centers located outside the immediate
communities bearing its visual and environmental burdens; and

WHEREAS, public meetings held to discuss the project have revealed widespread local
opposition and significant apprehension regarding the transparency and adequacy of PPL’s
community engagement and public information efforts; and

WHEREAS, the Luzerne County Council recognizes its duty to protect the health, safety,
welfare, and property interests of county residents and to preserve the rural and scenic character
of local communities;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Luzerne County Council hereby formally
opposes the construction of PPL’s proposed 500kV double-circuit transmission line as currently
planned through Sugarloaf Township and surrounding municipalities; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Luzerne County Council urges PPL and any relevant
state or federal regulatory agencies to:

1.

Pursue alternative routes or solutions that minimize impacts on residential communities,
farmland, and environmentally sensitive areas;

2.

Undertake comprehensive and transparent environmental and health impact assessments,
fully accessible to the public prior to any project approvals;

3.

Engage in meaningful consultation with affected municipalities, property owners, and
residents to explore less disruptive options for meeting regional energy demands;

and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Luzerne County Council directs the Clerk of Council to
transmit a certified copy of this Resolution to PPL Electric Utilities Corporation; the
Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission; the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental
Protection; and all state and federal legislators representing Luzerne County.

Enacted and Ordained this ___ day of __________, 2025, by the Luzerne County Council in
lawful session duly assembled.