Pennsylvania residents are speaking out against the state’s support for data center projects, claiming their concerns are being ignored. A two-hour town hall meeting was held, where 20 speakers expressed frustration over the threats these projects pose to their communities, including increasing electricity prices, massive water consumption, and noise pollution.
Among the speakers was Kelly Donia, a registered Democrat who lives in East Whiteland Township, about 20 miles northeast of Philadelphia. She criticized Governor Josh Shapiro, saying he has lost her support due to his role in the data center boom.
Donia stated, “He is losing his base. I want him to hear this loud and freaking clear. I’m going to make it my job to make sure that man never gets elected again for any office.”
Jennifer Dusart of Mechanicsburg also spoke, saying the issue is about “public trust and transparency,” and that many Americans find out about these projects after decisions have been made. She claimed concerned residents “have been bulldozed over.”
Data Center Support and Regulations
Governor Shapiro supports data center developments in Pennsylvania, but says companies must meet strict expectations around transparency, environmental protection, and community impact to receive the state’s full support, including access to tax credits and faster permitting.
A spokesperson for Shapiro stated, “This is about setting a higher bar for projects, not lowering it, and ensuring development happens responsibly and in a way that benefits Pennsylvanians.”
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The state government has taken steps to address increasing utility costs brought about by data center investments. The Public Utility Commission (PUC) has released guidance on how utility providers should deal with high-demand users like data centers.
PECO, the electricity provider for Philadelphia and other parts of southeast Pennsylvania, has put agreements in place with data center providers that pass the burden of upgrading high-voltage lines and other long-distance transmission infrastructure to these large customers.
Proposed Moratorium on Data Center Projects
State Senator Katie Muth (D-Philadelphia) wants to introduce a bill that would put a three-year moratorium on all data center projects in the state. This would be a major decision if passed into law, making Pennsylvania join other smaller jurisdictions that have already passed a temporary ban.
State Representative Jamie Walsh (R-Luzerne County) stated that a 2021 law giving tax breaks to data center developers has contributed to the influx of investments in the state.
The tension in Pennsylvania reflects a larger national issue, as residents and communities push back against data center projects due to concerns over their environmental impact, including environmental threats to local ecosystems.
Some AI hyperscalers are trying to reassure people that they will take steps to minimize their effects on the environment, but for many, this is too little, too late, given the negative effects of other projects that have already been reported.
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A data center in Fayette County, Georgia, used 29 million gallons of water in 15 months, resulting in low pressure for other users. Recent complaints have also been made about noise pollution from projects built near homes and public infrastructure.
Governor Shapiro is trying to balance the economic benefits of data centers with the concerns of the people, but critics say he’s not doing enough to address the risks these projects pose to their way of life.
They expressed their frustration during the two-hour town hall meeting, highlighting the need for greater transparency and community involvement in the decision-making process surrounding data center projects.
- Increasing electricity prices
- Massive water consumption
- Noise pollution
These concerns are not unique to Pennsylvania, as communities across the country are pushing back against data center projects due to their potential environmental impact.
A three-year moratorium on data center projects is being proposed in Pennsylvania, which could have significant implications for the state’s economy and environment.
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