The High Cost of AI: How Data Centers Are Reshaping Pennsylvania’s Energy Landscape

Data centers are being proposed and built across the US to keep up with the massive amounts of computing power needed for artificial intelligence. Pennsylvania and surrounding states are experiencing a boom in data center development, placing increasing pressure on energy systems and land use.  

This report details the impacts of rising energy demand from data centers in Pennsylvania and explains how the current trajectory will increase fossil fuel energy generation, raise energy costs, and worsen local air quality. The report includes recommendations for how community advocates and policymakers can push back against potentially harmful data center growth in their state. 

This report was prepared by Clean Energy Group, with additional contributions by Physicians for Social Responsibility (PSR) Pennsylvania and Clean Air Council. It was funded with the generous support of the Merck Family Fund.