Why should you care?

Electricity bills!
Data centers consume lots of power, and that demand puts strain on the regional grid. These costs get passed to YOU. In Pittsburgh, a utility's default electric rate rose about 15% partly due to data center-driven grid demand. In PA, utility shutoffs soared 38% in 2025 alone.
Data centers drive up electricity demand faster than the grid can absorb it, driving prices up in PJM Interconnection (the regional grid operator serving Pennsylvania and 12 other states). In PJM's 2025/2026 capacity auction, prices increased from $28.92 per megawatt-day to $269.92, a nearly tenfold increase compared to the prior year. The average family in PJM territory faces an estimated $70-per-month increase by 2028.
Water consumption!
Data centers cool their servers primarily with water. Large facilities can use 75,000–300,000+ gallons per day. Hyperscale facilities can use as much as a small city. In West Rockhill and throughout Bucks County, where most residents rely on private wells, this is a big concern. Construction near data centers has been linked to cloudy, murky well water in other communities. PA has abundant water, which is why it's a target.
The impact on private wells is a documented outcome, not just speculation. In Boardman, Oregon, more than 30 data centers have been built since 2011 and residents discovered their well water had been contaminated. One resident found nitrate levels of 52 milligrams per liter, which is more than five times the legal limit of 10. Data centers concentrate chemicals and toxins in their cooling water discharge.
Environment & air quality!
Data centers run diesel backup generators that kick on during outages, creating pollution. They also drive increased demand for fossil fuel power generation. The AI data center boom is accelerating fossil fuel expansion rather than the clean energy transition. The Philly region already ranks among the worst in the country for certain air pollutants.
Noise & quality of life!
Data centers produce a constant, loud mechanical hum from cooling systems - often 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Nearby residents in other communities report it is disruptive and cannot be easily tuned out. Light pollution from large facilities is also a concern.
Industrial-sized diesel generators can reach up to 105 decibels, as loud as a jet flying overhead. Studies show that noises above 65 decibels are enough to cause an increase in stress and blood pressure. High noise levels at night cause sleep deprivation and decreased cognitive performance.
The constant noise and light also create a "sensory danger zone" for wildlife. Recent studies (sources below) found evidence of the impact of noise pollution worldwide stating it significantly affects communication, risk behaviors, foraging, aggression, physiology, habitat use, and reproduction.