Data center protest held Saturday on Wilkes-Barre Public Square
A protest against data centers was held in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, as part of a national day of action. Speakers, including political candidates, highlighted environmental concerns like strain on land, water, and energy resources. Organizers emphasized the importance of local awareness about data center developments.
A protest against the increasing number of data centers in Northeast Pennsylvania was held Saturday in Wilkes-Barre's Public Square, despite heavy rain. The event was part of the "AI Data Center National Day of Protest," organized by Annette Miraglia of Kingston in collaboration with Humans First, a national anti-AI activist group.
Several political candidates spoke at the rally, including Democrat Jackie Baker, a candidate for state senate in the 20th district, and Green Party gubernatorial candidate Tony Dastra. They voiced concerns about the environmental strain data centers impose on communities, particularly regarding land, water, and energy resources. Baker called for "strict laws in Harrisburg" to ensure protections are in place.
While turnout was lower than expected due to the weather, organizer Annette Miraglia stressed the importance of local protests to raise awareness. She highlighted concerns that "backdoor deals" lead to data center developments without community input, and these protests serve as a "heads-up" to residents about incoming projects.