Parker creates data center task force

Mayor Cherelle Parker signed an executive order establishing a 10-member task force to evaluate the potential impacts of data centers in Philadelphia.

Task force will study benefits and harms

The task force will research potential benefits and harms of data centers, explore best practices for responsible development, and consult experts and community groups.

Co-led by sustainability and clean energy

The Philadelphia Data Center Task Force will be co-led by representatives from the Office of Sustainability and the Office of Clean and Green, with members from at least eight other city departments.

Report due by June 30

The task force must submit its findings by June 30, including recommendations for locations, building placements, and size restrictions to mitigate community impacts.

Research will cover multiple areas

The report will examine environmental impacts, safety considerations, fiscal impacts, regulatory actions, and issues related to decommissioning data centers.

Task force can recommend policy changes

Task force members may recommend changes to city laws and policies regarding data center development and operation in Philadelphia.

Public input will be included

The executive order requires the task force to allow opportunities for public input throughout the process.

Philly has no hyperscale data centers yet

Philadelphia has housed smaller data centers for years, but none classified as hyperscale facilities over 100,000 square feet.

Parker wants to be prepared

The mayor said the city needs to be ready if a firm applies to build a hyperscale data center, so officials understand the impact on Philadelphians.

“We need to be prepared now for the possibility of a much larger proposal being presented to us for consideration.”

Majority of Philadelphians oppose data centers

A University of Pennsylvania survey found that 61 percent of adults, regardless of political party, oppose data center construction in their area due to concerns about employment, environment, and privacy.

Activists demand stronger action

About 100 protesters from No Data Centers in Philly gathered at City Hall demanding a moratorium, saying a task force is not a strong enough response.

“Unless they act, every Philadelphian is at risk from AI data centers.”

Governor Shapiro limits data centers statewide

Gov. Josh Shapiro signed an executive order limiting data center development in Pennsylvania, requiring developers to follow responsible infrastructure standards and obtain municipal approval.

Parker aligns with Shapiro's approach

Mayor Parker said her administration is fully aligned with the governor's order and believes Philadelphia residents deserve a voice in decisions affecting their homes and health.

“Philadelphia residents deserve to have a voice in making the decisions that could affect their homes, their health and, quite frankly, our city's overall environment.”