Philadelphia activists urge City Council to pass data center moratorium
Activists with the "No Data Centers in Philly" campaign are urging the Philadelphia City Council to pass a data center moratorium, citing concerns about health, affordability, and quality of life. The group plans a press conference and rally to highlight the lack of local regulations for data center development. This local push comes amid growing statewide and regional scrutiny over data center impacts.
The "No Data Centers in Philly" campaign is intensifying its efforts, calling on the Philadelphia City Council to enact an immediate moratorium on data center construction. The group is scheduled to hold a press conference and rally at City Hall on Monday, advocating for a pause in development until comprehensive guidelines are established.
Shawmar Pitts, managing co-director of Philly Thrive, emphasized the urgent need for regulations, stating that Philadelphia currently lacks rules governing data center placement and community protections. Pitts warned that uncontrolled expansion could lead to increased PECO utility bills, environmental pollution, and privacy concerns, particularly given that two potential data center sites have been identified in the city.
The local campaign aligns with broader regional and statewide concerns. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro recently signed an executive order that eliminates fast-tracked data center permit approvals and requires developers to bear the costs of necessary energy infrastructure. This marks a shift from his earlier stance, where he praised Amazon for a $20 billion data center investment in the state, including a facility in Bucks County. Furthermore, the Upper Merion Township board recently rejected a plan by developer Brian O’Neill for five data centers due to concerns over emissions from proposed natural gas turbines and diesel generators.