Activists call for moratorium on data centers in Philadelphia
Activists in Philadelphia have launched the "No Data Centers in Philadelphia" campaign, calling for city leaders to enact a moratorium on data center construction. They cite concerns about increased utility bills, environmental pollution, and noise, and have gathered over 2,000 signatures on a petition. The group plans to present their demands at an upcoming City Council meeting.
Activists in Philadelphia have initiated the "No Data Centers in Philadelphia" campaign, urging city leaders to impose a moratorium on data center development. On Monday, several community groups rallied at City Hall, highlighting concerns about potential negative impacts on climate, health, and local utility bills. Speakers like Shawmar Pitts, managing co-director of Philly Thrive, and Tamara Russell, a radio host, emphasized the need to protect residential neighborhoods from the expansion of "Big Tech" without proper oversight.
The campaign has garnered significant public support, with activists collecting over 2,000 signatures on a petition advocating for the moratorium. Sonya Sanders, a resident and board president of Philly Thrive, stated that the city currently lacks sufficient regulations to protect communities, creating a "recipe for disaster." Austin Cole, national co-coordinator of the Black Alliance for Peace, also spoke, pointing out that data centers can contribute to rising PECO energy costs, air pollution, and noise from cooling fans.
Organizers plan to present their petition and demands at an upcoming City Council meeting, calling for a pause in construction to allow for the creation of "strong guidelines" that address health, affordability, and quality of life for Philadelphians. Nikki Grant, co-founder of Amistad Law Project, asserted that the City Council must act to protect residents from developers. The activists contend that the fight to stop unchecked data center expansion in the city is just beginning.