What can be done about data centers in Lehigh Valley? Residents get some answers at town hall

Lehigh Valley residents gathered in Allentown for a panel discussion hosted by the League of Women Voters of Lehigh County to address the growing presence of data centers in the region. State Rep. Mike Schlossberg, attorney Blake Marles, planner Richard Roseberry, and environmental attorney Kathryn Urbanowicz of the Clean Air Council of Philadelphia offered insights into data center development and regulatory challenges. Schlossberg detailed four data center-related bills that have passed the state House and await Senate votes. These include House Bill 1834, which would empower the Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission to regulate data center energy use and associated costs; House Bill 2150, mandating data centers report water, labor, and electricity usage; House Bill 2246, allowing local governments to halt projects based on water consumption; and House Bill 2151, which would create model ordinances for municipalities. Despite public interest in a moratorium, Schlossberg expressed skepticism, calling such bans on specific industries illegal, suggesting instead that conversations focus on appropriate placement and construction methods. Panelists highlighted key concerns, including the substantial electricity and water demands of hyperscale data centers, along with noise and light pollution. Roseberry noted that while developers are exploring on-site energy and closed-loop cooling, municipalities face limitations in regulating these projects. Marles added that local governments could face costly lawsuits if they reject data center plans without a clear legal basis from existing ordinances. Urbanowicz pointed to Pennsylvania's appeal for data center developers due to land and energy resources, as well as a political climate favorable to fossil fuels, while also noting the limitations of closed-loop cooling systems and PJM's slow adoption of renewable energy despite its lower cost. Residents were encouraged to engage actively by researching specific projects, connecting with local government officials, and understanding existing ordinances to ensure their concerns are actionable. Schlossberg emphasized that informed and fact-based input from constituents can influence legislative decisions, encouraging ongoing communication with elected officials.