What do the Lehigh Valley’s legislative candidates think about data centers? We asked them
The Morning Call surveyed Lehigh Valley state House and Senate candidates about data center development. Most candidates called for stronger local control, temporary or statewide moratoriums, environmental and water protections, limits on electricity costs, and an end to taxpayer incentives, while some supported carefully regulated development.
Candidates for the Pennsylvania House and Senate representing the Lehigh Valley offered largely critical views of the region’s data center growth. Many cited concerns about electricity prices, grid capacity, water use, noise, farmland, environmental impacts and development near homes, while supporting local authority, stronger zoning rules, community benefit agreements and requirements that developers fund their own power and infrastructure needs.
Several candidates backed temporary pauses or statewide moratoriums while municipalities update regulations and study the effects of proposed projects, including proposals in Northampton County and Upper Hanover Township. Others favored allowing development in suitable industrial, brownfield or quarry locations under strict safeguards. Candidates also referenced legislative efforts to repeal data center tax exemptions, increase Public Utility Commission oversight, require transparency and prevent utility costs from being shifted to residential ratepayers.