Pennsylvania faces widespread opposition to data center development
A virtual town hall in Pennsylvania highlighted widespread and intense opposition to the state's data center boom, with citizens and state legislators criticizing rapid development and Governor Josh Shapiro's perceived support. Participants discussed proposed legislation, including a moratorium on "hyperscale" data centers and revoking sales tax exemptions, while also expressing concerns about local control and transparency. The event underscored a significant public backlash against the proliferation of data center projects across various counties in the state.
A virtual town hall hosted by the Better Path Coalition and No False Climate Solutions PA revealed extensive opposition to Pennsylvania's data center boom, with participants from numerous counties voicing concerns. Citizens expressed outrage over what they called an "onslaught" of development, lack of transparency, and fears of industrialization, largely criticizing Governor Josh Shapiro's perceived support for the industry. State Senator Katie Muth, a Chester County Democrat, publicly supported a three-year moratorium on new "hyperscale" data centers, while Republican State Representative Jamie Walsh of Luzerne County proposed bills, including one to revoke sales tax exemptions for data centers.
Attendees sharply criticized a bill sponsored by Democratic Representative Kyle Donahue of Lackawanna County, which passed the state House and is now awaiting action in the Senate. Residents like Colby Wesner and Sam Burleigh of Montour County argued that this bill, designed to create a model ordinance for communities, would primarily benefit developers and limit local government's decision-making authority. Monica Vega, a first responder, linked the rapid data center development to a broader "decline toward authoritarianism," and John Zola of Luzerne County highlighted multiple data center proposals in his immediate area, predicting severe negative impacts on local communities like Salem Township.
Prominent critics of Governor Shapiro's administration included southeastern Pennsylvania business owner Kelly Donia, who vowed to campaign against his re-election due to his stance on data center development, and Roseann Weinrich of Schuylkill County, who accused the state of prioritizing "money and big tech" over its constitutional duties and transparency. Senator Muth warned that Pennsylvania was on a path to resemble Virginia, a state known for its high concentration of data centers, lamenting that citizens "deserve to be living in industrial hell."