Petition to protect Granville from large-scale data center has more than 1K signatures
A petition with over 1,400 signatures has been launched to protect Granville Township, Pennsylvania, from large-scale data center development. Residents are concerned about significant demands on water and energy infrastructure, along with noise, air, and traffic impacts. The petition calls for an immediate moratorium and new zoning ordinances to restrict such projects near residential and agricultural areas.
Residents in Granville Township, Mifflin County, Pennsylvania, have initiated a petition advocating for an immediate moratorium on large-scale commercial data center developments. The petition, which has garnered over 1,400 signatures, highlights concerns regarding the substantial demands such facilities place on rural communities and infrastructure.
Primary issues include the potential for increased water usage, strain on the local water supply, and heightened demand on energy grids, which could lead to higher utility costs for residents. Additionally, the petition cites concerns over noise, air quality, impacts on quality of life, and increased traffic from construction and operation.
The petition explicitly calls upon elected officials to enact an immediate moratorium on data center approvals until independent studies are completed, urging full transparency throughout the process. Residents also seek the implementation of new zoning ordinances to restrict development near residential and agricultural areas, aiming to protect the community's rural character.
Mifflin County Commissioner Kevin Kodish has noted that he believes some residents might support data centers once fully informed of potential tax and income benefits. However, local residents like Nate Fisher remain skeptical, raising questions about environmental impacts, private well water, and the effects on utility bills.