As our digital lives continue to expand, the infrastructure that powers them continues to grow. But growth for the sake of growth is not always in the best interest of our communities. Sometimes leaders must have the courage to stand up and say enough is enough.
For nearly 40 years, I have worked in Information Technology and Emergency Management, building networks, expanding broadband access, and helping create the infrastructure that powers our modern world. That experience is exactly why I am sounding the alarm about the massive data center developments being proposed across Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Residents are being told they must sacrifice thousands of acres of land, enormous amounts of electricity, and millions of gallons of water in the name of “progress.” But who is really benefiting?
The truth is that many of these projects create relatively few permanent jobs while permanently transforming our communities. Forests are cleared. Farmland disappears. Rural landscapes become industrial zones. Residents are left to deal with the consequences while developers and investors collect the profits.
That is why I support a complete stop on new large-scale data center development in NEPA.
I have listened to the developers, consultants, lobbyists, and industry “experts.” What I have not heard is a convincing case that these projects provide benefits substantial enough to justify the enormous demands they place on our land, water, power grid, environment, and quality of life.
My opponent wants voters to believe she is putting “Residents First.” The facts tell a different story.
She has accepted contributions from people connected to the very developments that residents are fighting against.
Her legislation creates the appearance of oversight while still providing a pathway for these projects to move forward. If the goal was truly to stop unwanted development, the legislation would stop it. It doesn’t.
Even more troubling, Senator Brown’s party controls the Pennsylvania Senate. If protecting residents was truly a priority, where are the votes? Where is the action? Where are the results?
Instead, residents get press conferences, talking points, and promises while developers continue advancing projects that threaten our communities.
I have never accepted money from corporate PACs. I have never accepted money from data center developers. I never will.
When I become Our Senator, I will answer to the people of Northeastern Pennsylvania, not corporate lobbyists, billion-dollar developers, or special interests.
