How data center battles in the Philadelphia suburbs could impact party control of the Pa. legislature
Proposed hyperscale data centers in Limerick Township have become a central issue in a competitive Pennsylvania state Senate race. Residents and candidates from both major parties are campaigning on opposition to data center development, citing energy and environmental concerns.
Data center development is shaping the contest for Pennsylvania’s state Senate District 24, a closely divided district spanning Montgomery and Berks counties. Two proposed hyperscale facilities are located about a mile from Chrissie Dziembowski’s home in Limerick Township, making the projects a prominent local concern.
Candidates and political groups from both parties have used advertisements, mailers and neighborhood visits to emphasize opposition to data centers or portray their opponents as supportive of them. Dziembowski said the issue has united Democratic, Republican and independent residents, reflecting concerns about the energy and environmental effects of rapid hyperscale development.