Public opposition to data centres has become a defining issue in Pennsylvania’s election campaign, forcing politicians across party lines to distance themselves from an industry they once promoted as a cornerstone of the artificial intelligence boom.
Governor Josh Shapiro, a Democrat seeking re-election in November, has shifted from courting major technology investment to promising what he calls some of the toughest safeguards in the United States. His Republican challenger, state treasurer Stacy Garrity, has gone further by calling for a temporary halt to new data-centre construction.
The change in tone follows growing concern in communities where large facilities are planned. Residents have raised fears about higher electricity bills, heavy water consumption, noise, diesel pollution and the loss of farmland or open space.
Pennsylvania has more than 120 proposed data centres, according to research cited by Spotlight PA. The issue now features in at least 20 competitive state legislative races, with candidates from both parties seeking to present themselves as a check on technology companies and developers.
Mr Shapiro signed an executive order in August requiring developers to secure local approval before seeking state permits. Projects seeking state tax incentives must also show that they will pay the full cost of their electricity, limit water use and meet new energy, environmental and transparency requirements.
He has accused some developers of trying to pressure local officials and push projects through despite community opposition. His administration has said that more than 100 proposals have been reported, although many may never be built because developers lack financing, available power or technology customers.
Data centre backlash reshapes Pennsylvania politics
The governor’s reversal has become a central line of attack for Ms Garrity, who says Mr Shapiro helped create the current situation by encouraging rapid expansion. She has pledged a moratorium, while both campaigns have released advertising accusing the other of previously supporting the industry.
Polling suggests the backlash extends well beyond a small group of local campaigners. A survey by the New York Times, The Philadelphia Inquirer and Siena University found that six in 10 likely Pennsylvania voters opposed building data centres to support artificial intelligence. Opposition was strongest among younger voters, with 83 per cent of those aged 18 to 29 against new development.
A separate national survey by the University of Pennsylvania’s Annenberg Public Policy Center found that 61 per cent of American adults opposed a new data centre in their area, up from 49 per cent in February and March. Majorities of Democrats, Republicans and independents were opposed.
The findings point to a distinction between enthusiasm for artificial intelligence in the abstract and resistance to the infrastructure needed to power it. Even people who regularly use AI products remain concerned about the effect of large server campuses on their homes, jobs, utility costs and local environment.
For politicians in Pennsylvania, the rapid shift in public sentiment has left them trying to catch up with voters who say decisions about the industry were made without adequate local consultation. The November elections will test whether opposition to data centres can translate into votes across the state’s governor, congressional and legislative contests.
