Public opposition grows against data center projects across the region

Public opposition to data center developments is intensifying across Pennsylvania, driven by concerns over local control, land use, and potential eminent domain issues. Local residents, like Bill Fontaine of Penn Forest Township, are actively appealing township zoning changes that permit data centers, with one such hearing scheduled for June 24th. Meanwhile, state-level efforts are underway, with Pennsylvania U.S. Senator Dave McCormick advocating for the state to lead in AI development, which implies more data center infrastructure.

However, State Senator Katie Muth, representing parts of Berks and Montgomery Counties, is seeking to introduce legislation that would prevent data centers from being classified as public utilities. Such a classification could grant them eminent domain powers and significantly diminish local regulatory authority. Her initiative comes amidst reports of 50-60 large data center proposals or ongoing construction projects statewide, including a planned conversion of a South Allentown warehouse.

Grassroots groups, such as Karen Feridun of Better Path Coalition, highlight the unprecedented public enthusiasm for opposing these projects. Recent victories for opponents include Upper Macungie Township and East Vincent Township in Chester County both rejecting appeals for large data center developments. Despite these rejections, attorney Matt McHugh, representing the Chester proposal, suggests that Pennsylvania law generally favors data centers as lawful uses entitled to zoning accommodations, hinting that these local "victories" may not hold long-term.