PENNSYLVANIA (WHP) — Pennsylvania has launched a public map that will allow the public to track proposed data centers that are seeking environmental permits.
The data center tracker is operated by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
The interactive map shows the locations of proposed data center projects in the Commonwealth and includes a list of environmental permits for each project and their status.
Data centers have continued to be a point of contention in Pennsylvania, including as a talking point in the debate between Gov. Josh Shapiro and Treasurer Stacy Garrity.
Shapiro started off the debate saying he’s been listening to concerns of the people, and after doing so, drafted the “strictest guardrail in the nation” for data centers. He said it is important to protect air and water and that it must include local benefits.
Meanwhile, Garrity discussed individual cases where people are fighting against data centers in their own backyard.
Over the weekend, the Swatara Township Board of Commissioners approved community benefits agreements for a pair of proposed data centers.
RELATED | Swatara Township approves community benefits plan for data center projects
The types of permits and/or authorizations often associated with large-scale data centers include:
Earth disturbance and stormwater management Wetland and waterway encroachmentStorage tanksAir qualitySewage facilities planningClean water
To track the status of a permit authorization, use the DEP’s permit tracker.