'Not for the public good': Data center proposal casts shadow over Union, Lycoming counties
A proposed data center by PNK in Gregg Township, Union County, necessitates a new 230,000-volt transmission line from PPL Electric. Local farmer and Washington Township supervisor Brett Taylor discovered the line would bisect his farm, causing significant economic and operational losses. Taylor voices strong opposition, arguing the project is not for the public good.
A proposed data center by PNK in Gregg Township, Union County, is casting a shadow over Union and Lycoming counties due to the required infrastructure. PPL Electric is planning a new 230,000-volt transmission line to power the facility, a project that local farmer and Washington Township supervisor Brett Taylor learned would run directly through his farm.
Taylor discovered the route at a PPL Electric open house on June 3, expressing frustration that this critical information was not readily apparent. He noted that approximately six of the nine proposed route segments cross land he actively farms, potentially causing lasting economic detriment.
The farmer highlighted a specific concern regarding aerial applicators, who have refused to fly over high-voltage lines since a fatal helicopter crash three years prior. If the transmission corridor is built as proposed, Taylor stated he would permanently lose the ability to apply fungicide or foliar feed by helicopter across a significant portion of his operation, leading to a permanent economic decrease for his family. He emphatically declared that the data center project is "not for the public good."