Data Centers Must Serve Communities | Harrisburg News

0:00It's September 3rd. You're listening to Harrisburg News today, AI-powered local news. I'm Cory with the story. Senator Dave McCormick laid out some clear expectations for data centers during a conference in Lancaster County this past Wednesday. He's pushing for these facilities to not only be energy efficient, but also to actively protect local energy prices and water resources. On top of that, he wants them to be transparent with taxes, higher folks from the area, and actually invest back into the community, including schools, and local infrastructure. He emphasized that if local officials get the chance, they should really weigh these points when deciding whether to approve new data centers. McCormick sees them as a significant economic driver for towns and cities, suggesting that if these benefits are present, it makes the decision much easier to support. He even shared a personal perspective, relating it back to his family farm. He admitted he wouldn't necessarily want a data center right next door, but if it came with all those positive contributions to the community, he'd be. All for it. It's

1:02about finding that balance between development and community well-being. This push comes as communities grapple with the rapid growth of data centers and their potential impact. The Senator's focus is on ensuring that this growth benefits everyone involved, not just the company's building the facilities. It's a call for responsible development. Ultimately, McCormick's message is about making sure that when these large projects come to town, they're a net positive for the people who live. There. It's a framework for local leaders to consider as they navigate these complex economic decisions.