U.S. · Amazon · Fortune Technology
‘Never seen anything quite like it’: How rural Pennsylvania’s $165 million data center fight became representative of the
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An area of Pennsylvania once known for its anti-immigration crackdown is now resisting data centers, one example of how the AI buildout has created a unified, bipartisan front in an increasingly splintered America.
Key facts
- At least 75 data center projects worth more than $130 billion total were delayed or cancelled in the first three months of this year, according to a Data Center Watch report published in June
- Josh Shapiro announced Project Hazelnut in November 2024 immediately following an executive order fast-tracking permitting for AI infrastructure
- About 20 years ago, Hazleton passed the controversial Illegal Immigration Relief Act, which withheld permits from businesses employing undocumented immigrants and fined landlords who rented to them
- From Vinatieri’s vantage point, there are even enough disgruntled residents that a meaningful number of voters could write in Democratic Sen
Summary
About 20 years ago, Hazleton passed the controversial Illegal Immigration Relief Act, which withheld permits from businesses employing undocumented immigrants and fined landlords who rented to them. Fast forward to today, and Hazle Township, the area where Hazleton sits at the foot of the Poconos, is still making headlines. Over the summer, residents of Hazle Township received letters from NorthPoint Development, offering the township’s 4,500 residents each a potential $10,000 payday in exchange for permission to build a 1,300-acre data center in the area, part of the developer’s $165 million proposed investment into the township.