Phila. activists call for data center moratorium
Activists in Philadelphia have launched the "No Data Centers in Philly" campaign, urging the City Council to enact a data center moratorium and establish specific regulations for these facilities. This move comes amid growing concerns over environmental impact, electricity demand, and the expansion of AI-driven hyperscale data centers. Mayor Cherelle Parker has convened a task force to consider development standards and promised to implement "rigorous guardrails."
The "No Data Centers in Philly" campaign held a press conference at City Hall, calling on Philadelphia City Council members to pass a data center moratorium and create specific regulations for such facilities. Sonya Sanders, a Grays Ferry resident and board president of Philly Thrive, highlighted concerns that data centers are expanding without sufficient oversight.
Mayor Cherelle Parker responded by announcing a task force, convened over the summer, to develop data center standards and promised to introduce "rigorous guardrails" via an executive order this week. The campaign, which has gathered over 2,000 petition signatures, also plans to advocate at an upcoming City Council meeting. Residents and groups like the Clean Air Council and 215 People's Alliance are worried about environmental and quality-of-life impacts, citing the potential for pollution and increased energy demand. Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission Chairman Steve DeFrank has warned that data center development could strain the state's electricity supply.
The city's planning commission identified two potential sites for data centers: the former Bellwether District refinery site and a city-owned parcel near the Northeast Philadelphia airport. HRP Group, owner of the Bellwether District, is reportedly considering a data center for its redevelopment. Critics, including Shawmar Pitts of Philly Thrive, express concern about replacing one polluting industry with another. While Governor Josh Shapiro recently signed an executive order enacting statewide regulations for data centers, local activists in Philadelphia are pushing for immediate action within their city.