Rural Opposition Grows Against AI Infrastructure Expansion
Over 300 residents gathered at a recent planning commission meeting in Montour County, Pennsylvania, to voice strong opposition against a proposed data center project by Talen Energy. Wearing camouflage hats and red shirts as a symbol of unity, the group expressed concern over the rezoning of agricultural land for industrial use, which they fear could disrupt their rural way of life.
Despite being staunch supporters of former President Donald Trump, who carried the county by a wide margin in the 2024 election, the residents are increasingly skeptical of Washington’s push to accelerate artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure. Their primary concerns include rising utility bills, loss of farmland, and strain on local water resources.
Trump and National Leaders Push for AI Expansion
Trump has made the expansion of data centers a national priority, framing it as essential for economic growth and national security. His administration has taken steps to expedite permitting and bypass environmental regulations to speed up construction. Similarly, leaders across both parties in Pennsylvania—Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro and Republican Senator Dave McCormick—are offering incentives to attract data center investments.
However, this bipartisan government support contrasts sharply with the grassroots backlash in Montour County. Residents have united with environmentalists and farmers to resist the transformation of their community into what some fear could become the next “data center alley,” akin to the vast complexes in northern Virginia.
Concerns Over Local Impact and Community Identity
The proposed Talen Energy project would involve rezoning approximately 1,300 acres of farmland to industrial use, potentially consuming 350 acres currently used for crops and livestock. The site would be adjacent to the company’s existing natural-gas-fired power plant and located near roads frequently used by the local Amish community.
Montour County Commissioner Rebecca Dressler emphasized that the opposition is not rooted in anti-development sentiment, but in a desire to preserve the area’s small-town culture. “People just want growth that fits who we are,” she stated.
Following a 6-1 vote by the planning commission to recommend against the rezoning, the final decision now rests with the county commissioners, including Dressler, and is expected by mid-December.
Economic and Environmental Consequences
Opponents of the data center argue that the project could weaken the local agricultural economy and raise utility costs for residents. Many fear that large corporations will reshape rural landscapes for profit, leaving locals to bear the financial burden. “It’s a society that has forgotten about the small person,” said Theresa McCollum, a 70-year-old Trump supporter.
Craig High, another local resident, criticized both political parties for supporting the deregulation of data centers. “We wouldn’t even be having this conversation without federal involvement,” he said, lamenting the erosion of local control.
Pennsylvania Becomes a Hotspot for Data Centers
Pennsylvania’s reliable electricity supply has attracted tech giants like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, all investing billions into new data centers across the state. Constellation Energy is even considering using the decommissioned Three Mile Island nuclear plant to power server farms.
But this boom comes with a cost. According to PJM Interconnection, the region’s grid operator, electricity demand from data centers is projected to rise significantly by the end of the decade. Already, utility prices in Pennsylvania have increased by approximately 15%—double the national average. Analysts warn that this trend could continue, further straining household budgets.
Political Ramifications and Rising Tensions
Growing dissatisfaction over utility costs and unchecked data center development is beginning to influence political outcomes. In Georgia, Alicia Johnson was recently elected to the state utility board after campaigning on exactly these issues—the first Democrat to do so since 2007. She believes Pennsylvania could see similar political shifts in the 2026 midterm elections.
“People are angry,” Johnson said. “They don’t want data centers without guardrails, and they don’t want to be the ones paying for them.”
Environmental groups such as Food and Water Watch are also mobilizing communities to resist the expansion. Organizer Ginny Marcille-Kerslake sees a unique opportunity for unity among politically diverse groups. “At a time when we’re so divided, this issue is bringing people together,” she said.
This article is inspired by content from Original Source. It has been rephrased for originality. Images are credited to the original source.