A significant data center project in Upper Burrell Township, Pennsylvania, is encountering resistance from a local environmental group, Protect PT, which is receiving substantial financial support from the Heinz Endowments. This development is occurring amidst a growing national debate surrounding the construction of data centers, essential for artificial intelligence infrastructure, and their associated energy and water consumption.
Protect PT successfully lobbied for a 180-day moratorium on data center construction in Upper Burrell Township. The group cites concerns about power and water usage as primary reasons for their opposition. Gillian Graber, executive director of Protect PT, stated that local residents do not want the facility.
TEC Fusions, the Florida-based company behind the proposed multi-billion dollar data center, is set to undergo an initial public offering on the NASDAQ. The company's founder and chief technology officer, Simon Tusha, has dismissed the opposition, comparing data centers to the printing press and asserting that they are essential modern utilities. He contends that environmental concerns are unfounded, particularly as the project involves repurposing an existing factory. Tusha also noted that the New Kensington facility will be powered by on-site natural gas generation, aligning with energy directives.
Pennsylvania, a major energy producer, particularly in natural gas, sees data centers consuming a relatively small portion of its statewide energy. According to ElectricChoice.com, all data centers in the state account for approximately 2.5% of total energy use. Senator John Fetterman (D-Pa.) has voiced support for AI innovation and data center development, warning that a failure to lead in this sector could cede technological advantage to China. He also emphasized that data centers represent a small fraction of daily water withdrawals and stressed the need for data center developers to cover their costs while avoiding misinformation that could hinder national AI leadership.
Governor Josh Shapiro's administration is focused on ensuring responsible development, proposing GRID Standards that require data center developers to provide their own power, engage transparently with communities, support workers, and protect natural resources. This approach seeks a balance between fostering innovation and safeguarding local interests.
Meanwhile, New York Governor Kathy Hochul's year-long moratorium on new, large data center facilities has drawn criticism. Some argue that such policies, driven by a segment of the Democratic party, could lead to increased technology costs for consumers and potentially shift development to other states. TEC Fusions projects that New Yorkers could face significantly higher monthly costs for data and AI center access due to such moratoriums.
Across the United States, data center construction is facing widespread local opposition, with numerous moratoriums proposed or enacted in states like Delaware, Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Vermont, and Virginia. Reports suggest that some organized resistance efforts against data centers have received funding from individuals and organizations linked to foreign influence campaigns aiming to shape discourse on critical infrastructure. OpenAI has also identified Chinese-linked accounts using its platform to influence social media discussions, including those concerning data center resource usage.
The Heinz Endowments, which has supported Protect PT since 2016, stated its commitment to improving environmental quality. A spokesperson for the endowments clarified that their position on data center development is one of "rigorous accountability rather than blanket support or opposition."