This story is part of the WHYY News Climate Desk, bringing you news and solutions for our changing region.

From the Poconos to the Jersey Shore to the mouth of the Delaware Bay, what do you want to know about climate change? What would you like us to cover? Get in touch.

Some Conshocken-area residents are fighting back against a developer’s proposal to build a 2 million-square-foot data center one mile from the borough’s vibrant downtown area.

The facility would span 10 existing buildings at the recently closed Cleveland-Cliffs steel mill, which sits on 66 acres of land along the Schuylkill River.

Real estate mogul Brian O’Neill, who is steering the proposal, estimates the data center would generate $21 million a year in tax revenue. It’s not clear who would operate the facility, which O’Neill said would attract businesses to the area.

Earlier this month, Plymouth Township’s planning board unanimously refused to recommend the proposal to build the data center, which residents say could harm the environment and jack up energy bills. With the township’s zoning board scheduled to consider the proposal Nov. 17, some residents are gearing up with a petition that currently has more than 370 signatures.

“The Cleveland Cliff Steel Mill [has] been a huge part of our neighborhood and Conshohocken for many years, and it was sprung upon everyone very quickly that a developer was interested in a data center,” said Patti Smith, who started the petition and lives across the street from the site.

“We wanted to raise awareness, make sure that people were able to advocate for themselves because we don’t think that the local municipalities are ready to have these conversations and draft ordinances and regulations that can protect the residents.”

The demand for data centers

Data centers house the computer servers required to run internet services worldwide.

While they have been around since the mid-20th century, the acceleration of power-hungry artificial intelligence has boosted demand for larger sites and more resources.

Data center proponents say the facilities are essential for enabling connectivity and innovation across business and industry, and claim they create hundreds of jobs and generate millions of dollars in tax revenue.

However, many residents and environmentalists say the potential rewards don’t outweigh the risks.  Data centers use a significant amount of energy and as AI requires more power at a faster rate than typical internet activities, data centers often strain the power grid, leading to increased electricity rates for consumers.

A 2024 Department of Energy report on U.S. data center energy use estimated that data center load growth tripled over the past decade, and would double or triple again by 2028.

Data centers also require substantial water consumption to cool servers that are at risk of overheating, as well as for offsite power generation and component manufacturing. By 2028, hyperscale data centers across the U.S. are expected to consume between 60 and 124 billion liters of water.

O’Neill did not respond to a request to answer questions about the proposed Conshohocken data center, which would generate its own energy rather than relying completely on the grid.

However, during a Plymouth Township hearing on the proposed data center, he said his goal is to “rethink the Plymouth Industrial District,” and “put 21st century industry in an industrial building that exists today.”

Monday, Oct. 20, is the deadline to register to vote in Pennsylvania. Then, you have until Oct. 28 to apply for a mail-in ballot. County election offices must receive completed mail-in ballots by 8 p.m. on Election Day. Jan Carabeo has the top headlines in the Philadelphia area, and Meteorologist Grant Gilmore has the latest NEXT Weather forecast this Sunday morning.

Due to the ongoing government shutdown, Pennsylvania SNAP recipients will not receive benefits that were slated to be paid in November.

In a post on the state’s official website, the Department of Human Services notes that as of Oct. 16, SNAP benefits will not be paid until the federal government shutdown ends and funds are released to the state.

SNAP recipients will be properly notified when payments can resume and when future payments can be expected.

If recipients need immediate food assistance, they are urged to call 211 or visit the Feeding Pennsylvania website or the PA Navigate website.

The Department of Human Services is also reminding residents that they are still responsible for completing renewals and reporting any changes to their income, contact information, or the people living in their home during the government shutdown. 

More SNAP changes beginning Nov. 1

A congressional bill passed in July 2025 will result in further changes to SNAP benefits as of Nov. 1, 2025. Those receiving benefits will need to report their work, schooling, or volunteer participation to the Department of Human Services.

Beginning Nov. 1, to keep or become eligible for SNAP benefits, certain people will have to meet SNAP work requirements that include working, volunteering, or participating in an education or training program for at least 20 hours a week (or 80 hours each month) and report that they are meeting these work requirements. 

If SNAP recipients are not meeting this requirement, they will be limited to three months of SNAP benefits for a three-year period.

The expanded work requirements will apply to you if you are between 18 and 64 years old, do not have a dependent child under 14 years old, and are considered physically and mentally able to work.

In addition, being a veteran or current, or former foster youth between the ages of 18 and 24 will no longer be an exemption. Some people may still be exempt from these requirements if they meet a different exemption.