Protesters call for more oversight on data centers as developers target two sites in Philadelphia
Protesters in Philadelphia are demanding city leaders pause data center development and establish new rules for their safe construction and operation. This pushback comes as two city sites are being eyed for large data centers, prompting concerns over pollution and noise. The "No Data Centers in Philly" campaign is actively advocating for a moratorium.
A campaign titled "No Data Centers in Philly" has launched in Philadelphia, calling for a pause on all future data center development until the city establishes comprehensive rules for their construction and operation. This comes as two large properties in the city, one near Grant Avenue and Bluegrass across from Northeast Philadelphia Airport and another in the Bellwether District (site of the former oil refinery), are being considered as potential data center locations.
Activists, including attorneys and doctors, express concerns about potential pollution and noise. They are actively pushing city leaders to enact a moratorium on such projects.
CBS News Philadelphia reached out to Mayor Parker's office and Council President Kenyatta Johnson's office for their stance on the proposed pause and any alternative plans regarding data centers. Their responses are pending.