Lehigh Valley Voters Mobilize Against Proposed Data Centers Ahead of Midterm Elections
Seventy-four percent of Pennsylvania registered voters oppose new data centers being built in their communities, a sharp increase from 68 percent recorded in February, according to a July Quinnipiac University poll. This widespread local resistance has transformed municipal zoning disputes into a high-stakes variable for upcoming U.S. congressional midterms. In Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley, first-time political activists like Laurie Gilley are organizing neighborhood opposition against massive computing complexes planned near residential areas and schools. Inside Climate News reported that these grassroots alliances are putting pressure on incumbent lawmakers in tight races across the state.
Project Atlas Sparks Resistance in South Whitehall Township
In South Whitehall Township, a planned 1.5 million-square-foot data center complex known as Project Atlas has galvanized residents who previously avoided local politics. The 410-acre industrial development is slated directly across the street from Parkland High School, which serves over 3,000 students, and near the home of Laurie Gilley. Both sides of the aisle seem to come together on this,
Gilley told Inside Climate News, noting that opposition unites voters regardless of party affiliation. The developer, Edged US, states that the facility will generate $2.5 million annually for the township and $11.5 million for the school district while creating 250 permanent jobs. However, local critics remain focused on potential strains on municipal water supplies, rising utility bills, and the loss of rural character.
Political Flashpoints Shape Pennsylvania Congressional Races
The anti-data center movement directly intersects with four competitive U.S. House races in Pennsylvania where slim margins defined the 2024 outcomes. In the 7th Congressional District, incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie faces Democratic challenger Bob Brooks, a retired firefighter. Brooks has criticized corporate data center developments for driving up regional energy costs. Meanwhile, in the 8th Congressional District, Republican U.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan faces Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti, declaring in a campaign ad that families should decide local developments. Additional contests feature Republican U.S. Rep. Scott Perry against Democrat Janelle Stelson in the 10th District, and Republican U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick against Democrat Bob Harvie in the 1st District. Christopher Borick told Inside Climate News that the data center issue adds heavy pressure on Republican incumbents in these closely watched districts.
Approximately 70 Data Center Projects Proliferate Statewide
Developers have proposed, begun constructing, or initiated preliminary work on roughly 70 data centers across Pennsylvania, according to the citizen-run Data Center Proposal Tracker. The state’s abundant open land, water access, and energy infrastructure make it a prime target for technology firms seeking locations for massive computing and cooling facilities. While some residents, such as Allentown farmers market worker George Snyder, view the developments as necessary infrastructure to maintain technological competitiveness against global rivals like China, others question the political promises made by candidates across the board. Political consultant Christopher Nicholas noted that while voters from both major parties express anxiety over the projects, broader economic concerns like the cost of living still dominate overall voter priorities in statewide polling.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania Data Center Politics
How many data center projects are currently active or proposed in Pennsylvania?
Approximately 70 data center projects are proposed, under construction, or undergoing preliminary activity across the state, according to data from the citizen-run Data Center Proposal Tracker cited by Inside Climate News.
What specific local concerns drive opposition to Project Atlas in South Whitehall Township?
Residents organized under the South Whitehall Township Civic Alliance worry about the facility’s proximity—located just 1,700 feet from Parkland High School—as well as potential negative impacts on local water supplies, property values, and rising utility bills.
Which congressional districts in Pennsylvania feature competitive races impacted by local data center debates?
The tight races include the 7th Congressional District featuring Ryan Mackenzie and Bob Brooks, the 8th District featuring Rob Bresnahan and Paige Cognetti, the 10th District featuring Scott Perry and Janelle Stelson, and the 1st District featuring Brian Fitzpatrick and Bob Harvie.
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