Data Centers are Hungry for Power: Panther Creek Alert

Our municipal governments are inundated by data center proposals and our communities have little time to prepare or respond. Penn State Extension is offering a FREE webinar this Tuesday, April 7th at 1:00 PM. The webinar will examine the proliferation of data center development across the Commonwealth, and state and local policymakers who are weighing how best to respond. Decisions by legislators, regulators, and local governments will shape how energy costs and other potential impacts are managed. The webinar will provide an overview of how states and municipalities are addressing data center proposals, highlight examples of statutes and ordinances enacted to guide development and protect community interests. If you are available, it will be well worth your time and you can register here.

As part of the PPL 69kV project to bring power to Panther Creek Power for the Bitfarms/Keel Infrastructure data center, the PA Department of Environmental Protection is inviting comments on a Chapter 105 permit by Carbon Node East Development, LLC for a multiple electric transmission line, utility line and fiber optic cable crossing of Dennison Run (Exceptional Value) located in Nesquehoning Boro, Carbon County. The deadline for comments is May 4th and although no public hearing has been scheduled, you can request one. This is especially important for residents of Nesquehoning who deserve to have their voices heard. The details are on page 80 of PA Bulletin 56-14.

To make an appointment to review the application, send comments, or request a public hearing, please contact the DEP Northeast Regional Office, Waterways & Wetlands Program, 2 Public Square, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701 at (570) 826-2511 or send email to: RA-EPWW-NERO@pa.gov. Questions should be directed to Pamela Kania, P.E., Program Manager, RA-EPWW-NERO@pa.gov. Read more here.