Governor Shapiro visits Archbald amid data center development concerns
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro visited Archbald to address concerns about data center development, though critics argue his statements were insufficient and his visit backfired politically. Local opposition groups are actively campaigning against proposed projects, including the Wildcat Ridge Data Center Campus, citing environmental and community impacts. State Treasurer Stacy Garrity has called for a moratorium on data center construction.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro made an unannounced visit to Archbald, Pennsylvania, and the nearby former Mid-Valley Hospital site in Peckville, to acknowledge growing community opposition to data center development. Critics, including columnist Chris Kelly of the Scranton Times-Tribune, characterized the visit as a political photo-op that backfired, suggesting Shapiro's remarks about "real concerns" fell short of declaring explicit opposition to specific projects, such as the proposed 30 data centers and natural gas power plant near Staback Park.
The governor met behind closed doors with state Rep. Kyle Mullins, Archbald Councilwoman Madonna Munley, and representatives from opposition groups like Stop Archbald Data Centers and the Archbald Neighborhood Association. Following the meeting, Shapiro held a brief press conference where he spoke about his new GRID standards aimed at ensuring "responsible infrastructure development," which critics deemed "too little, too late."
Local politicians, including Rep. Mullins, have previously voiced strong opposition to specific projects like the Wildcat Ridge Data Center Campus, citing concerns over its size, water and power usage, deforestation, and stormwater runoff. The article highlights the widespread public anger and the increasing pressure on politicians to address the issue, noting that State Treasurer Stacy Garrity has called for a "pause" or moratorium on data center development to allow for updated zoning and regulations. The author suggests that Shapiro's handling of the data center issue could impact his political aspirations, despite the growing strength of local opposition movements.