Data Centers Are on the Ballot — This Pennsylvania Candidate Won Her Primary Keeping Them Top of Mind

Fern Leard, a Democratic candidate from Dallas Township, Pennsylvania, successfully won her primary election, having campaigned vigorously on a platform of opposing data center developments. This marks her third campaign for the state House, with her stance on data centers becoming a central issue for voters in a swing county that previously leaned Republican. Leard’s campaign highlights a growing national trend where energy-intensive data center proposals are met with significant community backlash, influencing local and state elections.

Communities in Northeastern Pennsylvania, including Dallas Township and Archbald, are actively organizing against the proliferation of data centers. Dallas Township supervisors, with Leard's involvement, adopted a restrictive zoning ordinance in March to deter developers, reflecting concerns among residents. A Facebook group dedicated to stopping data centers in Archbald has amassed nearly 13,000 members, demonstrating widespread opposition that transcends traditional political divides.

Voters express concerns over the financial burdens associated with data centers, such as skyrocketing utility bills and infrastructure costs, as well as environmental impacts on local ecosystems and wildlife, and and water depletion. Leard has advocated for a three-year statewide moratorium on data center construction to allow for a clearer understanding of their impacts. She emphasizes the importance of elected officials listening to their constituents, who do not wish for their rural communities to become industrial zones.