Community Opposition to Data Centers Amid AI Boom

As the demand for data centers surges across the United States, fueled by advancements in artificial intelligence, communities in Pennsylvania are increasingly voicing their opposition. In September 2025, Hampden Township commissioners voted against allowing data centers in office park zones, responding to local protests. Similarly, in Blakely, a developer withdrew plans for a data center following public outcry. In Anthony Township, the Concerned Citizens of Montour County are urging local leaders to reject Talen Energy's proposal to rezone 1,300 acres for industrial use, which could facilitate data center development. Sam Burleigh, a co-founder of the group, expressed concerns about the detrimental impact on the rural atmosphere.

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Data centers are essential for powering the internet, but their rapid expansion raises significant environmental concerns. Critics highlight the intense energy consumption and water usage associated with these facilities. For instance, Amazon Web Services plans a data center in Salem Township that is expected to consume electricity equivalent to that used by 750,000 homes. The Virginia utility Dominion Energy has warned that upcoming projects may require 40 gigawatts of electricity, prompting concerns about rising utility bills and increased carbon emissions.

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Virginia Marcille-Kerslake, an organizer for Food & Water Watch, commended Hampden Township for its decision and emphasized the need for municipalities to restrict data centers to industrial zones. The organization mobilized local residents, resulting in a petition signed by 300 Hampden residents opposing the zoning change. Meanwhile, Talen Energy maintains that the rezoning request aligns with the classification of other land it owns in the area, asserting that it is still assessing the viability of potential projects.

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Opposition to data centers is not limited to Pennsylvania. In Apex, North Carolina, the Environmental Advisory Board approved conditions for a proposed data storage facility, but dissenting voices raised concerns about the facility's environmental impacts, including noise and air pollution from diesel generators. EAB member Katie Schaaf argued that no amount of zoning conditions could sufficiently mitigate the negative effects of such a project. Developer Michael Natelli acknowledged the scrutiny but argued that data centers could be less disruptive than other industrial uses.

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The rise of AI-driven data centers has led to conflicting reports regarding electricity demand. Experts estimate that the U.S. could see an additional 120 gigawatts of electricity demand by 2030, with 60 gigawatts attributed to data centers. However, there are concerns about whether utilities can meet this demand without overbuilding infrastructure. Willie Phillips, former chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, noted that projections for demand have been readjusted in some regions, raising questions about the accuracy of these forecasts.

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As communities grapple with the implications of data center development, the balance between technological advancement and environmental sustainability remains a contentious issue. With significant investments in AI and data infrastructure, the pressure on local resources, particularly water and energy, is likely to intensify. The ongoing opposition from residents and environmental groups underscores the need for careful planning and regulation to ensure that the expansion of data centers does not come at the expense of local communities and ecosystems.

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