A controversial hyperscale data center proposed in Allegheny County recently cleared the approval process, moving it toward the construction phase.
Springdale residents voiced concerns about the center, including loud noise and the environmental implications of its size and energy demand. Hyperscale centers are becoming increasingly prevalent worldwide — in tandem with the elevated usage of artificial intelligence — and Pennsylvania has become a hotspot for them.
After meeting with Springdale residents, Lauren Posey, environmental policy advocate for Protect PT, said the community was very concerned and “uniformly” against the data center’s approval. Environmental groups and residents gathered several times to express concerns about potential air quality and health impacts that may affect Springdale and surrounding communities…