Conshohocken Residents Mobilize Against Urgent Data Center Plan

UPDATE: Conshohocken-area residents are urgently fighting a developer’s proposal for a massive 2 million-square-foot data center just one mile from downtown. The facility, which aims to transform the site of the former Cleveland-Cliffs steel mill, has already sparked significant opposition due to environmental concerns and potential impacts on energy costs.

Real estate developer Brian O’Neill estimates the data center could generate up to $21 million in annual tax revenue, but many residents fear it will result in skyrocketing energy bills and environmental degradation. Earlier this month, the Plymouth Township planning board unanimously recommended against the project, highlighting the urgent need for further discussions on its implications.

With a crucial zoning board meeting scheduled for November 17, 2023, community members are rallying support. A petition spearheaded by resident Patti Smith has garnered over 370 signatures, reflecting growing anxiety about the proposal. “This was sprung upon us very quickly,” Smith says. “We want to ensure our voices are heard in this process.”

Data centers are essential for supporting internet services, particularly with the rapid growth of artificial intelligence. However, they require vast amounts of electricity and water, leading many to question the sustainability of such developments. A 2024 Department of Energy report forecasts that data center energy consumption could double or triple by 2028, raising alarms among residents about potential strain on the region’s power grid.

Community advocates argue that the environmental costs outweigh the projected economic benefits. “The Cleveland-Cliffs Steel Mill has been a cornerstone of our neighborhood,” Smith adds, emphasizing the need for environmental protections. Residents are particularly concerned about the facility’s reliance on natural gas, which could contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and local air pollution.

O’Neill claims the proposed data center would utilize natural gas to generate its own energy, mitigating the impact on the electric grid. However, critics argue that natural gas generation can still release harmful emissions. “We need to understand how this will affect our community’s health,” says Genevieve Boland, who is working alongside Smith to raise awareness.

As the PJM Interconnection has indicated, the influx of data centers is already straining the local power grid, leading to higher energy costs for consumers. A recent capacity auction revealed that rates are expected to rise by 1.5% to 5%, adding urgency to community concerns. “We simply can’t build enough power generation to keep up,” warns Tom Schuster, president of the Pennsylvania chapter of the Sierra Club.

The situation is compounded by pending legislation that could transfer land use authority from local municipalities to an energy board, potentially fast-tracking data center projects without adequate community input. As state lawmakers continue to discuss these developments, residents are determined to make their voices heard.

“We want our community to advocate for itself,” Smith concludes. With less than a month until the zoning board meeting, residents are mobilizing efforts to inform their neighbors and push back against the data center proposal.

This is a developing story. Stay tuned for updates as community voices continue to rise against the proposed Conshohocken data center.