Home / Environment / PA County Tackles Data Center Pollution Cumulatively
PA County Tackles Data Center Pollution Cumulatively
1 Oct
Summary
- Lackawanna County studies proposed data centers as a group.
- Study assesses pollution, health effects, and mitigation choices.
- A previous study warned of $14 million in annual health damages.
Officials in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania, are taking an unprecedented step to evaluate the collective environmental and health impacts of proposed data centers. Instead of reviewing each project in isolation, the county is undertaking a comprehensive study of a cluster of data centers and power plants planned for the area. This initiative aims to understand the cumulative air pollution and potential health consequences for residents.
The study, conducted by EmPower Analytics Group and expected by year-end, will quantify the total pollution output, its dispersion, and the exposed populations. It will also identify developer choices to reduce public health harms, such as generator types and placement. Previously, a separate EmPower analysis highlighted that a single data center proposal could cause $14 million in annual health damages, potentially rising to $124 million with more frequent use of dirtier generators.
This forward-thinking approach in Lackawanna County, home to Scranton, seeks to provide officials with robust data to manage the significant infrastructure build-out. The goal is to offer a holistic view of the health impact on the community, moving beyond the limited scope of individual project reviews.
