Letters to the Editor: April 2, 2026

A retired Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences professor, residing in Hollenback Township, Pennsylvania, has submitted a letter to the editor voicing strong opposition to a proposed large data center in his community. The professor, who previously taught at Wilkes University, highlights significant environmental and agricultural concerns, noting the data center's proximity to numerous farms and the potential for severe impacts. He details that data centers demand massive quantities of cooling water, ranging from 300,000 to 5 million gallons daily, often sourced from groundwater. This withdrawal, he warns, risks depleting vital well water reserves for farms and homeowners, particularly during droughts. Furthermore, the discharged water is warmer and contains concentrated salts and pollutants harmful to both people and wildlife. The professor also points out the air pollution from fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) emitted by diesel backup generators, which he links to serious health issues. He also raises concerns about the considerable electricity consumption of such facilities. The professor criticizes Governor Josh Shapiro for politically endorsing data center construction in rural areas, arguing that these developments threaten Pennsylvania's agricultural sector. He disputes claims of significant job creation, stating that data centers employ very few people. To support his argument, he references the New Brunswick, New Jersey City Council's unanimous decision to block a proposed 27,000-square-foot AI data center on Jersey Avenue, reversing an earlier plan, following intense community protest, urging Hollenback residents to learn from such successful opposition.