Clinton Township Residents Oppose Data Center Proposal

Over 300 residents of Clinton Township, Pennsylvania, gathered at a planning commission meeting on May 7 to express their staunch opposition to a proposed "land development" by Linde Corporation, which they identified as a thinly disguised data center. The meeting, typically sparsely attended, saw a tense but respectful atmosphere as locals voiced unanimous dissent. Residents raised numerous concerns, including the prediction by a Trout Unlimited quote of an end to pristine streams and waters. A homeowner feared for her well due to the data center's vast, unrecoverable water consumption. Issues of unrelenting noise were also highlighted, with residents and veterans recovering from injuries like PTSD expressing concerns about losing the quiet nature around them. A 39-year resident warned against trusting developer promises. Ultimately, the residents rejected the Linde data center proposal, urging the planning commission to do the same, though a decision was not made at the meeting. The author, John Pace, who lives in Honesdale, PA, concluded that the township would likely remain "undefiled and pristine" due to the residents' efforts, with the matter expected to be resolved at next month's meeting.