Coleman voices resistance to data centers at telephone town hall
Pennsylvania State Senator Jarrett Coleman is strongly opposing data center development in the Lehigh Valley and Upper Bucks, citing concerns about electricity, water, pollution, and community impact. He has introduced two bills to end state tax breaks and grant local governments more power to regulate data centers. This stance is echoed by residents and contrasts with Governor Shapiro's voluntary standards plan.
Pennsylvania State Senator Jarrett Coleman (R-Allentown) voiced strong opposition to data center proliferation during a recent telephone town hall, citing environmental, economic, and community concerns. Coleman stated he has introduced two bills, SB 1344 and SB 1345, aimed at curbing data center development. SB 1344 seeks to eliminate sales tax exemptions for data center equipment, which he estimates would save Pennsylvania $2 billion by 2031, with the revenue potentially offsetting gasoline taxes. SB 1345 would provide municipalities with an 18-month window to enact ordinances regulating data centers.
Coleman expressed particular alarm over a proposed data center near Parkland High School in South Whitehall Township. His concerns include increased electricity costs, potential brownouts, high water consumption, air pollution from diesel generators, and fire risks from lithium batteries. He also criticized Governor Josh Shapiro's (D) plan for voluntary standards for new data center proposals, instead advocating for a complete pause, a sentiment echoed by State Treasurer Stacy Garrity.
Residents from Dublin Borough, Bedminster, Emmaus, and Lowhill Township participated, sharing fears about noise pollution, environmental degradation, and the limited job creation once construction is complete. One resident highlighted the Lehigh Valley's already poor air quality ranking. Coleman encouraged organized citizen action at local government meetings, noting that developer opposition often leads to project delays, such as a recent instance in Allentown where a data center proposal was tabled.
Conversely, Juan Londono, a policy analyst from the Cato Institute, offered a differing perspective, arguing that many concerns about data centers are exaggerated or misleading. While acknowledging potential strains on the power grid, Londono suggested that policymakers should allow tech companies to invest in grid updates or off-grid energy solutions rather than imposing bans. He contended that restricting data center construction could deprive communities of economic benefits and tax revenues.