Senator focuses on AI 'threat to humanity' as data center fights continue
Pennsylvania residents are engaged in legal and community efforts to halt or slow data center projects amidst growing concerns about artificial intelligence. A lawsuit has been filed in Cumberland County seeking to pause the "Pax-1" project, while Governor Josh Shapiro has already removed data centers from an expedited permitting list. State Senators are now proposing legislation concerning AI accountability and the option for local moratoriums on data center development.
Across Pennsylvania, citizen-led groups are actively fighting to halt or slow down data center developments, with the issue gaining traction at the state Capitol amidst warnings about artificial intelligence. In Cumberland County, plaintiffs and residents have filed a lawsuit in court, seeking a stay of work on the 693-acre Pennsylvania Digital 1, or "Pax-1," project, which is planned to include up to 16 data center buildings near Harrisburg.
The "Pax-1" project was initially on Governor Josh Shapiro's expedited state permitting list until August 18, when Shapiro issued an executive order removing data centers from the list and instituting new development rules. Andrew Dymski, a plaintiff, highlighted the rapid pace of construction, emphasizing the legal request to pause work until the court proceeding scheduled for later this week.
Meanwhile, the broader debate about AI, heavily reliant on data centers, has intensified. State Senator Art Haywood of Philadelphia, citing warnings from AI developers about a potential "threat to humanity," announced plans to introduce bills focusing on AI corporate accountability, transparency, and critical-incident reporting. Senator Jarrett Coleman of Lehigh County offered qualified support, while also authoring a separate bill that would allow municipalities to enact an 18-month moratorium on data center applications.
Opposition efforts continue in other parts of the state. In South Whitehall Township, Lehigh County, residents are contesting a proposed data center near Parkland High School, with Senators Coleman and his challenger Mark Pinsley scheduled to speak at an upcoming press conference. Additionally, in Salem Township, Luzerne County, a Planning Commission meeting next week will address the future of a third data center concept, following previous meetings that were nullified due to legal violations.