Data center activity in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has the most companies active of any state outside Texas, with at least 343, signaling exceptional market confidence despite considerable friction. Zoning has become contentious, with at least 88 denials outpacing 61 approvals, and at least 42 projects have been blocked compared with 21 approved despite opposition. Moratoriums are significant but not overwhelming for a market this large, with at least 91 enacted and 23 rejected. The state is far more contested than neighboring West Virginia, but its volume of activity keeps it a central market.
Pennsylvania has the most companies active of any state outside Texas, with at least 343, signaling exceptional market confidence despite considerable friction. Zoning has become contentious, with at least 88 denials outpacing 61 approvals, and at least 42 projects have been blocked compared with 21 approved despite opposition. Moratoriums are significant but not overwhelming for a market this large, with at least 91 enacted and 23 rejected. The state is far more contested than neighboring West Virginia, but its volume of activity keeps it a central market.
How is this scored?Conewago Township planners are scheduled to consider new rules governing data center development. The available article information does not specify the proposed requirements or identify any particular data center company or project.
The article examines how data centers have become a prominent issue in Pennsylvania’s competitive congressional elections. No specific data center project, company, or government action is identified in the provided text.
President Donald Trump said large data centers should generate their own electricity, raising questions about how such a policy could affect Pennsylvania power bills. The article provides statewide policy and electricity context but does not identify a specific data center project or company.
Union County commissioners ordered PNK Group to halt non-protective construction of an electrical substation intended to serve its proposed Allenwood data center campus. The county said the developer lacked required approvals and should provide information about the broader project before resubmitting its application. PPL Electric is also planning a 6.8-mile, 230-kilovolt transmission line to supply the facility.
A data center developer is offering $10,000 to each resident in an effort to address skepticism during an open house. The developer’s proposal indicates ongoing community opposition or concern, but the available article information does not identify the project location or company.
Upper Burrell Township supervisors unanimously approved a zoning ordinance establishing where data centers may operate and setting standards for noise, water use and local power supplies. Residents continue to voice concerns about a proposed data center at the former ALCOA campus.
Upper Burrell Township supervisors passed an ordinance governing data center development. The available article information does not identify a specific company or provide details about the ordinance's requirements.
Taylor Township supervisors in Blair County approved an amendment establishing guidelines for potential data center development. Residents voiced strong concerns about the rules, including setbacks, screening requirements and enforcement, while officials said no formal data center plans have yet been submitted.
Plains Township commissioners voted 4-0 to reject an ordinance that would have created a 592-acre data center overlay district near Bear Creek and Jenkins townships. Residents opposed the proposal and cheered the decision, which property owners’ attorney Justin Richards called a victory.
Taylor Township officials approved an ordinance amendment establishing guidelines for data center development near an old paper mill site in Blair County. More than 200 residents voiced concerns about setbacks, screening and the proposed project during a contentious public meeting, while officials said additional discussions will continue.
The Archbald Borough Council unanimously denied the application for the proposed Wildcat Ridge Data Center after nearly a year of hearings. Residents strongly opposed the project, citing concerns about its effects on the community, while the project’s attorney argued that it met the borough’s ordinance standards.
The U.S. Department of Energy announced nearly $967 million in grants to help states, territories and tribes strengthen electrical grids and improve resilience. The funding comes as artificial intelligence data centers drive rapid electricity-demand growth, raising concerns about shortages, blackouts and higher costs, particularly within the PJM Interconnection region.
East Whiteland United, a residents’ group, has threatened to sue East Whiteland Township and developers Green Fig and Sentinel Data Centers over the proposed Project Forge data center. The group alleges problems with land-use approvals, water availability, environmental reviews and building-permit changes, but no lawsuit has been filed and existing project approvals remain in place.
The article describes growing opposition to large data centers across the United States and says technology companies are offering host communities more money and greater transparency. An accompanying file photo shows anti-data-center demonstrators at the Pennsylvania state Capitol in Harrisburg.
The Archbald Borough Council unanimously denied the proposed Wildcat Ridge data center campus during a Wednesday meeting. The decision blocks the proposed development in Archbald, Pennsylvania.
Archbald Borough Council unanimously rejected the proposed Wildcat Ridge data center campus. The 14-building project, planned near Wildcat Road and Business Route 6, will not move forward following the vote.
Archbald Borough Council unanimously denied zoning approval for the proposed 14-building Wildcat Ridge Data Center Campus on 578 acres in the borough. About 200 community members applauded and cheered after the decision.
Residents are applying legal pressure to East Whiteland Township over a proposed data center at a Superfund site. The article indicates active community opposition and environmental concerns, but does not provide details on a specific lawsuit or government decision.
The Pennsylvania House passed a bill by a 202-1 vote that would prevent data center companies from using eminent domain to acquire land. The legislation was prompted in part by comments suggesting data centers could be treated like utilities, drawing pushback from lawmakers and others.
Mount Carmel Township supervisors unanimously approved zoning rules for data centers, including setbacks, noise limits, technical studies, financial guarantees and conditional-use requirements. Residents and the CRANE advocacy group said the ordinance does not go far enough, while preliminary plans from Blue Creek Investments for two data centers remain unaccepted as administratively incomplete.