A proposed data center campus in South Whitehall Township continues to draw both public concern and government attention, as local debate unfolds alongside new statewide legislation aimed at regulating similar developments. Known as Project Atlas, the plan by Edged Data Centers calls for a five-building campus on vacant land south of Orefield Road, between Mauch Chunk Road and North Cedar Crest Boulevard. The project could represent billions in private investment and bring construction and long-term technical jobs to the region.

Despite the potential economic benefits, residents have voiced a wide range of concerns during recent township meetings. Issues raised include possible air pollution from diesel backup generators, noise impacts, and environmental effects such as increased local temperatures linked to large-scale data centers.

Some residents have also called for greater transparency and more accessible public information about the project. Others questioned aspects of the review process, including protections for private wells and whether current studies fully account for impacts on nearby homes, schools, and wildlife. Wildlife has become a particular focus, with reports of bald eagle activity near the proposed site prompting township officials to request documentation, noting that nesting areas may be protected under state and federal law. Township officials emphasize that the property is already zoned for industrial use, allowing a range of heavy industry. The proposed Planned Innovation Research and Technology (PIRT) Overlay District would instead introduce more modern design standards and buffering requirements for technology-focused development. The review process remains ongoing, with multiple postponements attributed to extensive township feedback and the applicant’s need to respond to detailed review letters. A recent township review packet included a 160-page letter that did not recommend approval at this stage.

As local officials, consultants, and developers continue working through the review, broader concerns about data center growth across Pennsylvania are also gaining attention in Harrisburg. State Rep. Joe Webster recently introduced House Bill 2650, which would establish stricter standards for data center development through Governor Josh Shapiro’s Responsible Infrastructure Development (GRID) framework. The bill would require developers seeking state tax benefits to meet requirements related to transparency, environmental protection, energy use, and community engagement.

Supporters of the legislation say it is needed to ensure large-scale projects benefit local communities while limiting risks. The proposal would include enforceable standards on energy consumption, water use, and noise, as well as provisions for job creation and ongoing compliance reporting. State officials say the legislation responds to growing concerns from residents across Pennsylvania about how data centers could affect utility costs, infrastructure, and the environment. With demand for artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure rapidly increasing, both the South Whitehall proposal and the state legislation highlight the challenges communities face in balancing economic development with environmental protection and quality of life. Project Atlas remains under review locally, with additional public discussion expected at future Planning Commission and Board of Commissioners meetings.