Data center supporters and critics argue over future in Pittsburgh area
Communities in the Pittsburgh area, particularly Beaver County, are actively debating proposed data center developments, raising concerns over potential noise, pollution, and increased electricity bills. Despite these public and environmental concerns, proponents highlight economic benefits like new jobs and tax revenue. Local and state government entities are considering regulations and 'guardrails' for these projects, with several major data center proposals in various stages of development within Beaver County.
Communities in the Pittsburgh area, particularly in southwestern Pennsylvania's Beaver County, are grappling with the rapid influx of proposed data center developments. Critics, including Springdale resident Matt Lang, voice concerns over potential noise, water and air pollution, higher electricity bills, and diminished property values, arguing that the economic benefits are minimal. Conversely, proponents such as Ken Broadbent of Pittsburgh Steamfitters Local 449, advocate for data center growth, highlighting the region's unique position for artificial intelligence leadership due to institutions like Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh, abundant natural gas, and available abandoned industrial sites. They project significant tax revenue and thousands of construction jobs.
Local governance, including town councils and planning boards, are seeking to establish "guardrails and restrictions" on these developments, acknowledging their limited power to outright block projects on private property. Lew Villotti of the Beaver County Corporation for Economic Development notes that Beaver County is a focal point for future data center construction, with three major projects identified: the conversion of a former coal plant in Shippingport, a proposed data center at the Allegheny Technologies mill site in Midland by developer Chuck Betters, and another planned for the old Pittsburgh International Race Complex in Big Beaver. Villotti supports the former two but expresses skepticism about the racetrack project meeting county standards.
Governor Josh Shapiro has also expressed support for similar regulatory safeguards, and a series of related bills are currently under consideration in Harrisburg. However, Villotti advocates for more comprehensive state legislation. Labor unions, while supporting the economic benefits, caution against excessive delays, fearing developers might relocate projects to other regions.