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Data Centers vs. Conservation: Throop Residents Fight Back
27 Aug
Summary
- Residents filed appeals against Throop's data center zoning ordinance.
- Appeals argue the ordinance benefits private interests over the public.
- Concerns include environmental impact, water, air, and open space.
Residents in Throop have formally appealed a recently adopted zoning ordinance that permits data centers on hundreds of acres of conservation land. The group, known as "Protectors of Water, Wildlife, Environment and Resources" (POWER), filed dual appeals on July 26, 2026, challenging the ordinance's validity on both procedural and substantive grounds.
These appeals, lodged with the Throop Zoning Hearing Board and the Lackawanna County Court of Common Pleas, assert that the legislation favors private development over public good. The group contends that the ordinance, which designates a 351-acre overlay in an environmental conservation district for data centers, fails to adequately protect the environment, water resources, air quality, and open spaces.
POWER's filings, submitted by attorney Donna Davis, highlight 31 specific contentions. Key arguments include that the ordinance was adopted to benefit private interests, that council members breached their fiduciary duty, and that the ordinance violates the Pennsylvania Constitution's Environmental Rights Amendment. Concerns are also raised about the potential for data centers on additional surrounding acreage.
Throop officials have previously defended the ordinance, suggesting the nearby landfill and highway would serve as buffers. However, residents argue that the borough lacks the resources to manage the needs of such large-scale developments. The appeals seek to invalidate the ordinance entirely.
