Data center takeovers of farms stirring anger

Residents of Pennsylvania's Slate Belt region, particularly in Lower Mount Bethel Township, are mobilizing against a proposed 1.2 GW data center project by Peron Development and J.G. Petrucci in Northampton County. Community opposition, organized by 'No Data Center in the LMBT,' is driven by concerns over the preservation of farmland, significant water and electricity usage, potential noise and light pollution, and the industrialization of a rural landscape. The proposed Lower Mount Bethel Tech Center, planned for a 450-acre parcel, would require rezoning a portion of the site from agricultural to industrial. At a recent three-hour town hall, developers and experts, including John Callahan of Peron Development, Peter Polt of J.G. Petrucci, and representatives from Talen Energy and PPL Electric Utilities, presented project details and addressed community concerns. While developers highlighted economic benefits such as tax revenue and job creation, residents voiced strong opposition, with some stating they would prefer higher taxes over a data center on local farmland. Individuals like Rodney Smith, Beverly Van Hendron, and Linda Horne expressed fears about diminished property values, quality of life impacts, and the loss of rural character. Although the project is still in an exploratory phase, two of the five Lower Mount Bethel Township supervisors have already indicated they would vote against the proposal. Developers affirmed their commitment to working with township officials and residents to address concerns and establish safeguards, encouraging ongoing public comment. Meanwhile, state lawmakers in Pennsylvania are also considering data center-related legislation, reflecting broader interest in regulating such developments.