Mifflin County residents vow to fight data center proposal

Residents of Mifflin County are vehemently opposing a proposed data center in their community, expressing deep dissatisfaction with the Pennsylvania State Legislature's recent actions regarding data center regulation. Ad Johnson Gary, a local resident, conveyed frustration, stating that the legislature "has failed" and that recent measures feel "too little but also feeling like too light.

The legislative efforts included a proposed six-month moratorium on data center development, which ultimately failed to pass. Instead, the newly approved state budget includes a provision requiring data centers to report their energy usage to the state. Residents view this as an inadequate response to what they describe as an "emergency situation" for their rural communities.

Democratic Representative Elizabeth Fiedler, who chairs the House energy committee, acknowledged that more work is needed, expressing hope for further legislative progress in the fall. Additionally, other proposed bills aim to ensure that data centers' presence does not lead to increased electricity rates for residents. However, locals like Gary remain skeptical, believing that "people in power are restricting the ability to actually make real change."

Despite legislative setbacks, residents are vowing to continue their fight to halt the data center project. An upcoming town hall will provide an opportunity for community members to voice their concerns.