SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA CO. (WOLF) — Lackawanna County Commissioner Bill Gaughan is urging Governor Josh Shapiro and state lawmakers to temporarily halt the development of large-scale artificial intelligence data centers across Pennsylvania.
In a letter dated February 17, 2026, Gaughan asked for a three-year statewide moratorium on new hyperscale data center approvals, citing growing concern among residents in Northeastern Pennsylvania about the long-term impact of such projects.
The commissioner said Lackawanna County has seen a surge of proposals for massive data center campuses in recent months, prompting hundreds of residents to attend public hearings and voice opposition. While acknowledging the promise of technological growth and potential tax revenue, Gaughan warned that the scale of the facilities raises unresolved questions about energy use, water consumption, environmental consequences, housing pressures and infrastructure strain.
He also referenced a February 12 memorandum circulated by State Senator Katie Muth announcing plans to introduce legislation that would establish a three-year pause on hyperscale data center development. Gaughan said her proposal reflects growing bipartisan concern about how quickly the industry is expanding.
In the letter, Gaughan noted that some proposed facilities would require electricity on a scale comparable to tens of thousands of homes and significant water resources for cooling. He argued that Pennsylvania currently lacks a comprehensive regulatory framework to manage the rapid growth of the industry.
The commissioner also criticized the use of non-disclosure agreements in negotiations between developers and local officials, saying such practices can limit transparency and restrict the public’s right to know.
Gaughan said a temporary moratorium would allow the state to conduct a detailed study of cumulative energy and water demands, assess environmental and land-use impacts, develop uniform siting standards and review tax policies to ensure host communities are fairly compensated.
He emphasized that the request is not meant to block innovation but to ensure responsible planning and public oversight before permanent changes are made to local landscapes and infrastructure.
The letter was copied to members of the state’s legislative delegation. Gaughan said he welcomes further discussion on the issue, calling it one that will shape the future of Lackawanna County and communities across Pennsylvania.