Organizations look to discuss impacts of data centers with residents, request pause on developments
Residents in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, are seeking information and a voice regarding data center developments. Community groups are organizing meetings to educate the public, following a requested moratorium in Upper Burrell. Construction is reportedly ongoing at an old Alcoa data center site, now owned by Tech Fusion, while local municipalities draft new regulations.
People across Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, are seeking more information on data center developments, prompting community organizations to host educational meetings. Reporter Addison Albert covered efforts by groups like Voice of Westmoreland County and Protect PT, who are helping residents understand the impacts and participate in the conversation around data centers.
In May, a moratorium was requested in Upper Burrell to pause data center development while municipalities, including Upper Burrell, Lower Burrell, New Kensington, and Arnold, work on drafting new laws regarding data centers. An Upper Burrell supervisor confirmed that construction is underway at Building J of the former Alcoa data center, now owned by Tech Fusion, although other buildings are restricted until new ordinances are passed. The existing moratorium is set to expire in November.
Upcoming meetings include an Upper Burrell supervisors meeting on August 5th and monthly information sessions at Penn State New Kensington. These organizations also travel to other communities in Westmoreland County to provide information.