‘Never seen anything quite like it’: How rural Pennsylvania’s $165 million data center fight became representative of the bipartisan battle against AI

What happened

Share The opposition to data center (a building full of computers that runs online services) projects in rural Pennsylvania has intensified, with community groups and state officials halting or delaying several planned developments. At the center of the controversy is NorthPoint Development’s Project Hazelnut, which has faced significant resistance from local residents and advocacy groups.

The backlash in Pennsylvania reflects broader discontent with data center expansions, as similar sentiments are emerging in other states. Key indicators will be whether local opposition in these states leads to formal legislative proposals or executive actions.