Rep. Scott opposes potential development of data center, criticizes lack of transparency
Rep. Greg Scott July 2, 2026
CONSHOHOCKEN, July 2 - State Rep. Greg Scott sent a letter this week to Plymouth Township Zoning Hearing Board sharing his strong concerns over the potential development of a data center at the former Cleveland-Cliffs steel mill in the township and the process by which the board conducted a recent meeting.
“Let me be clear. I am opposed to the development of this data center and extremely concerned about how the process is playing out,” said Scott, D-Montgomery. “This application involves a massive, unprecedented hyperscale data center proposed within approximately 200 feet of existing homes and families. Treating a project of this magnitude as though it were ‘just another zoning application’ fails to recognize the extraordinary public interest and complexity involved.
“Right now, we have more questions than answers. And yet, there has been a lack of transparency from the beginning, most importantly from this developer. My neighbors and I have no idea how the tenant plans to develop the site, which sits along the Schuylkill River and could have environmental impacts on our natural resources. The developer – who has a track record in this area for developing without collaboration with communities – has redacted key information from documents, keeping our community in the dark. Finally, the last zoning hearing board meeting did not end well.
“Residents deserve a process that is not only legally compliant but also transparent, predictable and demonstrably fair.
“My neighbors and I deserve to have our voices heard on important development proposals, especially if they will have a direct impact on our quality of life and our environment,” Scott said. “That’s why I have voted for state legislation that would prevent secrecy and ensure that the community has the power to make decisions on development.”
The Pennsylvania House of Representatives recently voted on bipartisan bills on data center development – all of which Scott voted for:
- H.B. 1834: Would regulate data centers under the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.
- H.B. 2150: Would require data centers to report their water and energy usage to the Department of Environmental Protection.
- H.B. 2151: Would provide local elected officials with optional ordinance language they can use, if they choose, on standards for sound, location, equipment and building design.
- H.B. 2198: Would end the sales tax exemption for data centers.
- H.B. 2246: Would require data centers to disclose their water consumption and gives the state the right to require permits and oversee any use of more than 100,000 gallons of water per day.
- H.B. 2359: Would ban non-disclosure agreements between data center developers and municipalities.
- H.B. 2496: Would allow local governments to place a 180-day pause on data center applications.
- H.B. 2650: Would establish strict, enforceable guidelines to ensure that any developer seeking tax incentives for data center equipment in Pennsylvania meets strong standards that protect Pennsylvanians.
All of these bills are now with the state Senate for consideration.
Scott urged all community members to stay engaged on this topic; the next two zoning hearing board meetings are planned for Tuesday, July 28 and Thursday, July 30 at 7p.m. at the Colonial Middle School (716 Belvoir Rd, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462).
Read Rep. Greg Scott’s letter to the Plymouth Township Zoning Hearing Board here.