Still, protesters said they’re concerned about the potential for development. Residents in Grays Ferry, where a large number of residents are Black and low-income, have already been impacted by health concerns linked to pollution from the former oil refinery.
“A moratorium would just at least give us a chance to understand what exactly would be the impact of a data center and give us the chance to get to the table, give us a chance to share the research and share the data,” said Campbell Simmons, a South Philadelphia resident. “This is just trying to give us a chance to have any kind of say as a community.”
A spokesperson for Mayor Cherelle Parker said she supports establishing standards for data centers.
“Protecting the health, safety, and natural resources of Philadelphians is non-negotiable,” the mayor wrote in a statement. “This summer, I mobilized a dedicated Task Force across Planning and Development, Sustainability, Public Health, the Water Department, Licenses and Inspections, and our Clean and Green leadership. Their mission is clear: establish enforceable standards for data centers that protect our infrastructure, water supply, and local neighborhoods.”
This week, Parker said she will sign an executive order to formalize the task force.
“By putting rigorous guardrails in place, we will ensure that any incoming tech infrastructure directly serves our vision of a safer, cleaner, and greener Philadelphia,” she said.