Pennsylvania residents expressed growing frustration with the state’s rapid data center development during a two-hour online town hall meeting late Wednesday, as more than 225 attendees criticized the industry’s impact on electricity prices, water consumption, noise pollution, and rural landscapes.
Governor Josh Shapiro, who has sought to balance economic benefits with regulatory oversight, became a frequent target of criticism. Residents accused his administration of failing to engage the public before approving projects.
“This is a public trust and transparency issue,” said Jennifer Dusart, a small business owner and Mechanicsburg resident. “Too many Americans are finding out about these projects after decisions have been made. We have been bulldozed over, and when citizens have raised concerns, they are often dismissed as uninformed, emotional or anti-progress.”
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