B1280 words1:46News Report American AccentPublished Jun 16, 2026 · Updated Jun 16, 2026

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A major disagreement over datacenters has become a hot topic in Pennsylvania state politics.

Governor Josh Shapiro supports building new technology infrastructure to power the growing artificial intelligence industry.

However, some state lawmakers and local residents have pushed back against these plans.

The debate shows how government policy on technology can divide communities that are affected by these large projects.

One proposal that has caused strong reactions is a plan for a datacenter complex near Philadelphia.

The site is a former hospital called Pennhurst, which closed in 1987 because of terrible conditions for disabled patients.

The buildings were later turned into a haunted house attraction that draws thousands of visitors each fall.

Now, the property owners want to build three large datacenter buildings that would be powered by methane gas.

Local residents in East Vincent township are worried about the project because it would sit less than 200 meters from a veterans' home.

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Donald Hyman, a 62-year-old resident, told reporters that air pollution from the facility could harm his health.

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He has been recovering from a serious heart condition.

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Other veterans at the Southeastern Veterans' Center said that noise from the construction and operations could disturb residents who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder.

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The controversy reflects a wider national debate about datacenters in the United States.

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As the artificial intelligence boom continues, technology companies need more and more facilities to store and process data.

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Many communities have said clearly that they do not want these large buildings near their homes.

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One resident summarized the local feeling by saying, "We don't want it."

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The conflict between economic growth and community well-being is expected to shape state politics for years to come.

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How the fight over US datacenters is scrambling this state’s politics: ‘We don’t want it’

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