Our Opinion: Don’t delay studies of health, environmental impact of data centers

August 10, 2026 - 00:48

In a rare display of civic engagement, a packed room of residents filled the Lackawanna County Commissioners' meeting space in Scranton on Wednesday. The scene was a stark contrast to the usual sparsely attended public sessions. The topic drawing such a crowd was not a routine budget vote or a road repair project. It was the growing presence of data centers and the unanswered questions about what they mean for the people who live nearby.

The public's concern is understandable. These facilities are massive, energy hungry, and often operate around the clock. They bring jobs and tax revenue, but they also bring noise, water usage, and a significant strain on the local power grid. What remains unclear is the long-term effect on public health and the environment. Residents are not asking for a halt to progress. They are asking for basic information before more permits are signed and more land is cleared.

Delaying these studies would be a mistake. Waiting until after the infrastructure is built and operational makes it far harder to address problems. If there are negative impacts, they will be discovered too late, and the cost of fixing them will fall on taxpayers and ratepayers. The county and state should not wait for a crisis to act. They should fund independent research now, before the next wave of construction begins.

The commissioners heard from a crowd that was clearly not satisfied with assurances alone. People want data. They want to know about air quality, water runoff, and the strain on local roads. These are not unreasonable requests. In fact, they are the bare minimum for responsible planning. A community that welcomes new industry should also demand to know what it is welcoming in. The time to ask hard questions is now, not after the servers are humming and the contracts are locked in.