13 Questions to Ask When Considering a Data Center Proposal

BY Susan Schrack Wood, Director of Communications, The League

  1. Where does the developer want to place the data center?
  2. How large is the proposed data center?
  3. Can the proposed site handle additional traffic and construction vehicles?
  4. What is the cooling system- closed loop, air cooling, or evaporative cooling?
  5. Can we handle the additional water consumption (depending on the cooling system)
  6. Can the existing electrical grid support the demand?
  7. What happens during emergencies or extreme weather- do data centers get priority?
  8. What will be the power source for this center?
  9. What are the emissions implications? Unless powered by renewable sources, data centers increase the carbon footprint.
  10. Is this facility consistent with our comprehensive plan?
  11. Does this facility advance our economic development goals?
  12. Will it help or hinder our community’s evolution over the next 20-30 years?
  13. How do the residents feel about this proposal?

Article from the February 2026 Municipal Reporter | Pennsylvania Data Centers Edition