Rep. Izzy Smith-Wade-El joins calls for statewide moratorium on data centers

State Representative Izzy Smith-Wade-El of Lancaster joined a rally at the Pennsylvania Capitol rotunda in Harrisburg, advocating for a statewide moratorium on data center development. The rally, attended by approximately 80 people from across Pennsylvania, was organized by progressive advocacy groups including Make the Road PA, Pennsylvania Stands Up, and We Are CASA, which highlighted concerns about data centers' negative impacts on the environment, economy, and immigrant communities. The push for a moratorium was significantly spurred by local grievances in Lancaster, where resident Frank Arcoleo expressed anger over the city officials' fall approval of two new data centers at 216 Greenfield Road and 1375 Harrisburg Pike. Arcoleo criticized the "deceptive" zoning approval process, claiming residents lacked prior input. Although city leaders later approved a $20 million public benefits agreement with the developers, including assurances on noise minimization and environmental practices, Arcoleo's concerns intensified, driving him to join the statewide call for legislative action. Rep. Smith-Wade-El voiced support for the pause, stating the need for a thorough review before further proliferation of such conditions across the state and potentially the country. The sentiment reflects a growing desire among advocates and some legislators to scrutinize the broader implications of data center expansion in Pennsylvania.