BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Residents gathered Saturday at the Cathedral Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem to discuss the growing use of artificial intelligence and the potential impact of data centers on communities across the Lehigh Valley.

The community conversation, organized in part by Lehigh Valley Stands Up, included presentations, small-group discussions and conversations about how residents can participate in decisions surrounding future data center projects.

Dr. Maggie Riegel, who attended the event, said she plans to bring what she learned back to her classroom at Northampton Community College.

“I’m very passionate about what goes on in my community, and I’m also very passionately against the use of generative artificial intelligence in the classroom and for educational purposes,” Riegel said.

Another focus of the event was the growing number of proposed data centers in the region.

Gillian Wenhold, one of the organizers with Lehigh Valley Stands Up, said data centers could place pressure on local resources if they are not properly regulated.

“They take our water, our electricity, they pollute our air, they cause noise,” Wenhold said. “And so it’s not something that’s going to bring any good to our communities.”

The discussion comes as communities across the Lehigh Valley consider proposals for new data center facilities.

In July, protesters gathered for a proposed data center site at 2401 W. Emaus Ave. in Allentown.

Planners seek revisions for proposed Allentown data center after residents voice concerns

Representatives for the project have said the site is needed to meet the region’s growing demand for critical digital infrastructure.

They have also said the proposed facility would use 42 rooftop chillers and a closed-loop, recycled-water cooling system rather than city sewer water.

Wenhold said she remains skeptical that the proposed cooling system would eliminate potential environmental impacts.

“They’re taking it from somewhere, and they have to release it somewhere,” Wenhold said. “So regardless, it’s going to cause harm. Even if a closed-loop system could mitigate some level of that harm, it still is not good.”

Saturday’s event also emphasized residents’ ability to influence decisions involving emerging technology and infrastructure.

“We have the power to make real changes here in Pennsylvania,” organizers told attendees.

Lehigh Valley Stands Up said it plans to attend future data center meetings across the Lehigh Valley.

The group said its goal is to make sure residents have a voice in determining how proposed projects move forward.