State lawmakers called 'sellouts' as residents seek data center moratorium
Residents from across Pennsylvania rallied at the Capitol Rotunda, advocating for a proposed three-year moratorium on data center development. They criticized state leaders, including Governor Josh Shapiro, for allegedly siding with tech companies and neglecting community concerns. A bill for the moratorium has been introduced by state senators, highlighting ongoing opposition and legal issues surrounding data center projects in various townships.
Residents from across Pennsylvania rallied at the state Capitol Rotunda, voicing strong support for a proposed three-year moratorium on data center development. Speakers at the event criticized Governor Josh Shapiro, accusing him of prioritizing wealthy tech companies like Amazon and the Data Center Coalition over community concerns, and dismissing his "Responsible Infrastructure Development standards" as a public relations tactic.
Democratic Sen. Katie Muth of Chester County, who introduced the moratorium bill, emphasized the critical need for state leaders to protect residents from what she described as "massive industrial projects." She was joined by Republican Sen. Rosemary Brown of Monroe County and Republican Rep. Jamie Walsh of Luzerne County, who is investigating property purchases related to data center proposals in Salem Township.
The rally, organized by Food & Water Watch, highlighted several flashpoints across the state where data center development has generated controversy, including alleged Sunshine Act violations in Clinton Township, Wayne County, and threats in Limerick Township, Montgomery County. Megan McDonough, state director for Food & Water Watch, asserted that communities are being "hunted, not consulted," and criticized developers for attempting to hide potential impacts and rush approval processes, with some politicians ignoring the issue.