At data center panel, residents are encouraged to get involved in the process

A panel discussion hosted by the League of Women Voters of Lehigh County in Allentown, Pennsylvania, provided residents with insights into data center development in the region. State Representative Mike Schlossberg, attorney Blake Marles, planner Richard Roseberry, and environmental attorney Kathryn Urbanowicz addressed the basics of data centers, their impacts, and avenues for public involvement. The event attracted significant community interest, reflecting data centers' "hot topic" status in Harrisburg, especially given two proposed projects in Schlossberg's district in South Whitehall Township and Upper Macungie. Schlossberg detailed several data center-related bills passed by the state House but awaiting Senate votes. These include House Bill 1834, which would empower the Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission to regulate data centers' energy use and costs, and House Bill 2150, mandating reporting of water, labor, and electricity usage to state and local governments. Other proposed legislation, House Bill 2246, would allow local governments to halt data center projects based on excessive water consumption, and House Bill 2151 would establish model ordinances for municipalities. Schlossberg expressed skepticism about moratoriums, deeming industry-specific bans illegal, and emphasized the need for thoughtful planning. The discussion also highlighted environmental concerns, with Roseberry explaining the significant electricity and water demands of hyperscale data centers, like those operated by Google, Amazon, and Oracle, and the potential for noise and light pollution. Urbanowicz elaborated on the political factors influencing energy choices, noting that while renewables are cheaper, fossil fuels are often prioritized for faster grid expansion. She also critiqued "closed-loop" cooling systems, noting they still involve water usage and potential thermal pollution. Panelists collectively urged residents to engage with specific projects, understand local ordinances, and contact elected officials, emphasizing that informed, actionable input can influence decision-makers.