Pennsylvania Township Enacts Moratorium Amid Opposition to Data Center Project
An activist group, Protect PT, is organizing resistance against a TECfusions data center project in New Kensington, Pennsylvania, leading to a 180-day moratorium on data center construction in Upper Burrell Township. Environmental concerns regarding power and water consumption are cited. Pennsylvania state leaders are divided on the issue, with Governor Shapiro proposing responsible development standards and Senator Fetterman opposing moratoriums.
The New York Post reports that the debate over AI data centers has reached Pennsylvania, focusing on a multi-billion dollar project by Florida-based TECfusions in New Kensington. The company is currently navigating a 180-day moratorium on data center construction in Upper Burrell Township, Westmoreland County, similar to one proposed in New York.
The moratorium was pushed by Protect PT, a local environmental activist group, which received significant funding from the Pittsburgh-based non-profit Heinz Endowments. Gillian Graber, executive director of Protect PT, cited concerns over power and water consumption. TECfusions founder and CTO Simon Tusha stated that the New Kensington site is grandfathered in prior to the moratorium and emphasized that the project will utilize on-site natural gas power generation, potentially exporting surplus power to the grid. He dismissed environmental opposition as baseless, noting the company is repurposing an existing factory.
Pennsylvania state leaders have offered mixed views. Senator John Fetterman (D-Pa.) expressed strong opposition to data center moratoriums, arguing they hinder American innovation and could benefit competitors like China. He also noted that data centers account for a very small fraction of statewide energy and water use. Governor Josh Shapiro's spokesperson, Will Simons, indicated the governor supports establishing "GRID Standards" for responsible data center development, requiring companies to bring their own power, engage with communities, and protect natural resources. The article also touches on a broader national trend of data center moratoriums and criticisms against New York's Governor Kathy Hochul for her proposed moratorium.