Residents, candidates speak out against data center development during protest in Wilkes-Barre
Residents and political candidates gathered in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, as part of a national day of protest against data center developments. Demonstrators expressed concerns about the industry's impact on utilities, water resources, and community quality of life across Northeast and Northcentral Pennsylvania. They called for stronger state laws and local governmental power to reject such projects.
Residents and candidates for state office gathered in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, on Saturday to protest data center developments as part of a national day of action organized by HumansFirst. Annette Miraglia, a Kingston resident, organized the event, highlighting widespread concerns about over 20 proposed large-scale data center campuses in Northeast and Northcentral Pennsylvania. Attendees, including Christine Fazzi of Bear Creek Twp., voiced fears regarding the industry's impact on local utilities, water systems, air quality, and the overall character of their communities, particularly stressing the potential strain on wells.
Former Pennsylvania House majority leader Todd Eachus, who was recently arrested at a meeting in Kline Twp., Schuylkill County, spoke about the need for communities to unite against developers. Democratic candidates for state House and Senate seats, including Fern Leard (120th District), Jeremy Benscoter (117th District), and Jackie Baker (20th District), also addressed the crowd. They emphasized the need for legislative action from Harrisburg to protect communities, ensure local governments have the power to deny developments that conflict with zoning plans, and prevent large tech companies from exploiting Pennsylvania's resources without regard for its residents.