A data center is a building that houses powerful computers and digital storage. They are used to run cloud services, like email, online commerce, social media, and streaming services, and to train and deploy artificial intelligence (AI). Massive data centers are being proposed throughout Pennsylvania.
Due to their large electricity demands, data centers can have dramatic impacts on the electric grid’s stability and energy affordability. Their potential water usage, noise, and emissions can also negatively affect our communities.
Municipalities in Pennsylvania may not entirely exclude legal land-uses, but they can regulate where a type of development is located through zoning. Local governments can play a big role in data center development because of their authority to make land-use decisions, especially through zoning and ordinances. There are opportunities for local governments and community members to influence where and how they are developed to minimize negative impacts.
Our Work
We are working to understand the potential risks of data center development in Pennsylvania and considering how to best mitigate negative impacts through smart policy and legislative solutions.
- Factsheet - Data Center Development: Community-Focused Best Practices
- Factsheet - Large Load Tariffs: Critical Guardrails for Data Centers
- Factsheet - We Will Not Pay for Big Tech’s Needs
- Sierra Club’s National Data Center Resource Page
Take Action
-- PA House Bill 1834 has passed the House. As large-scale data center development accelerates across Pennsylvania, this bill begins to put important safeguards in place to protect our electric grid, our communities, and ratepayers.Tell PA Senators: Support Regulations for Data Centers!
-- PA House Bill 2150 requires annual reporting of data center energy and water use. PA House Bill 2151 provides a model ordinance to help municipalities manage data center development. These bills are not the final word on data center policy but they are important first steps toward transparency, local control, and informed decision-making. Support Smart, First-Step Data Center Oversight!
-- PJM is seeking approval from FERC about how it connects large electricity users like data centers. Tell FERC: Don't let Big Tech's data centers increase power costs and compromise the grid!
-- Check out The Briefing Series for legislative updates.
-- Connect with your local Sierra Club group or the Dirty Energy Conservation Team.