Pennsylvania Voters Reject Local AI Data Centers, Opposition Hits 68%

At a recent overflowing town hall, more than 20 speakers voiced concerns about rising electricity prices, heavy water use, noise pollution, and rural industrialization linked to rapid data‑center expansion. Nearly 60 data‑center projects are proposed, approved, or under construction statewide, according to the Data Center Proposal Tracker. The Pennsylvania Data Center Resistance Facebook group, started with a few dozen members, now exceeds 12,000 followers, illustrating the scale of grassroots pushback.

Jennifer Dusart, a Mechanicsburg small‑business owner, said the process feels like a public‑trust and transparency failure, noting residents learn about projects after decisions are made and are often dismissed as uninformed or anti‑progress. Kelly Donia of East Whiteland Township, a registered Democrat who once hoped Shapiro would be a vice‑presidential candidate, declared he is losing his base and vowed to oppose his future elections. The Quinnipiac University survey of registered voters found 68% would oppose having an AI data center built in their local community.

The data suggests a significant shift in voter sentiment that could influence upcoming legislative sessions and electoral calculations. Lawmakers may face pressure to impose stricter siting rules, enhance public‑notice requirements, or consider moratoriums on new facilities until trust is rebuilt. Candidates seeking statewide office will likely need to address data‑center concerns more directly to retain support.