Lackawanna County Studies Cumulative Health Effects of Proposed Data Centers
Lackawanna County has approved an independent study examining the cumulative air-quality and public-health effects of more than a dozen proposed data centers and fossil-fuel power plants. The study will assess emissions, affected communities and potential mitigation measures, while developers of the Wildcat Ridge project disputed an earlier health-impact analysis.
Lackawanna County, home to Scranton, has commissioned EmPower Analytics Group to study the combined air-quality and health effects of more than a dozen proposed data centers and fossil-fuel-burning power plants. County Commissioner Bill Gaughan said officials want to evaluate the projects collectively rather than review each proposal in isolation. The study is expected to examine projected pollution, where emissions could travel, which residents could be exposed and possible ways to reduce harm.
The county’s action comes amid growing opposition to the pollution and power demands associated with data center development. An earlier EmPower analysis of the proposed Wildcat Ridge project, which includes 588 diesel backup generators, estimated substantial potential health-related damages and additional premature deaths under higher operating scenarios. Wildcat Ridge representatives disputed the analysis, saying the project would comply with state and federal health protections and arguing that the study contained flaws. The broader county study is scheduled for completion by the end of the year.