What can you do to STOP data centers?
Lackawanna County is at a turning point, and residents cannot afford to stay silent while massive data center projects threaten our communities. These facilities bring constant industrial noise from cooling systems, heavy truck traffic, and round-the-clock operations that can shatter the peace of nearby neighborhoods. The toxic diesel backup generators used by data centers release harmful pollution into the air, putting the health of families, children, and seniors at risk. We must show up to local meetings, speak during public comment, and demand that our voices be heard before these decisions are made for us.
Data centers also destroy the natural beauty that makes Northeastern Pennsylvania special. Forests are cleared, trees are cut down, and open land is transformed into sprawling industrial complexes covered in concrete and steel. Wildlife habitats are fragmented or wiped out entirely, driving away birds, deer, pollinators, and countless native species that depend on these ecosystems to survive. Residents who care about protecting our forests, streams, and green spaces need to stand together and oppose reckless development before the damage becomes permanent.
These projects place enormous pressure on our local utilities and threaten to drive electricity costs even higher for hardworking families already struggling to pay their bills. Data centers consume staggering amounts of power every single day, often using more electricity than entire towns. As demand skyrockets, residents could face higher utility rates while corporations profit. The people of Lackawanna County deserve affordable and reliable energy—not a future where giant tech companies consume resources while local families pay the price.
Water usage is another serious concern that cannot be ignored. Many data centers require millions of gallons of water to cool their servers, draining local rivers, lakes, and groundwater supplies. This excessive consumption threatens drinking water resources, harms aquatic ecosystems, and places additional strain on communities during droughts or periods of low rainfall. Pollution from construction, runoff, and industrial operations can further damage streams and waterways that residents and wildlife depend upon every day.
Now is the time for residents to get involved and take action. Attend township meetings, county hearings, and zoning board sessions. Write letters, speak to elected officials, and encourage your neighbors to stand up for the future of Lackawanna County. If we remain silent, these developments could forever change our communities, our environment, and our quality of life. Together, we can demand responsible planning, protect our natural resources, and ensure that local voices—not corporate interests—shape the future of our county.