SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — As data centers begin to take center stage in NEPA, people in Lackawanna County got to hear from those involved with the development on Monday.
Officials aimed for the public hearing to inform people about the risks and benefits of these data centers, but many people left frustrated and with more questions than answers.
Residents showed up in droves at Valley View High School to hear about data centers on Monday.
The Senate Majority Policy Committee pulled together four panels of representatives to testify in front of the public. Senator Rosemary Brown hoped people would leave more confident on the topic.
"I do hope that they walk out with a feeling of a lot of information, feeling that it's factual, and feeling that their questions have been answered," Senator Brown said.
As the hearing went on, many audience members felt the opposite.
"I wanted to find out: Here's how much electricity we're going to use, and here's how we track how we're using that electricity. Nothing like that was talked about," Eynon resident Bill Vervan stated.
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"I think there was a lot of general speak here at the conference. I think about 85% was conjecture and 15% was empirical data," Monroe County resident Brett Cartwright said.
The panels included economic development, energy and water resources, local impact, and construction and workforce.
One panelist says the public's involvement and understanding of the process is part of progress.
"Anytime residents come out in droves like they did today, I think is a great thing because it's new. They want to get their questions answered, and this is a great form to be able to do that. I encourage the audience participation at our office and the Senator's office; we're always available to answer those questions," Penn's Northeast President and CEO John Augustine explained.
Those who attended believe the hearing is a good start, and they're hoping for more open dialogue about the data centers.
"I hope they will continue discussing it. A lot of people showed up today, which is really great. Community input is crucial. I know that the questioning panel had a lot of good questions. I'm a little less impressed with the answers they got today," Cartwright added.
Decisions on data centers are now up to local officials, and whether their constituents are on board or not.
