Lackawanna Studies Cumulative Data Center Pollution | Data Centers

Last Update: 10/02/2026 at 10:34 AM EST

Coverage from Scranton Times-Tribune, The Times-Tribune, and others

Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania, approved an independent study of air pollution and health effects associated with more than a dozen proposed data centers and power plants.

EmPower Analytics Group is expected to assess emissions, pollution dispersion, exposed populations, and countywide impacts by the end of 2026. The findings may help officials evaluate measures such as generator choices, operating limits, and facility placement; actual regional health impacts have not yet been established by the study.

Looking Back

54 Day Timeline

Articles published over time. Hover any bar for the period and its article count.

Aug 9

Aug 17

Aug 27

Sep 4

Sep 12

Sep 22

Sep 30

All Articles3 articles

Important1 article · CI Score 60 and above

Scranton Times-Tribune

Editorial Urges Cumulative Health Study Of Lackawanna Data Centers

Lackawanna County residents asked commissioners in Scranton on Wednesday to approve a $165,000 cumulative health and environmental study of proposed data centers and power plants.

8/9/2026 • Permitting & Regulation • General

Interesting1 article · CI Score 45–59

The Times-Tribune / Jeff Horvath

Lackawanna County Gets Three Data Center Health Study Proposals

Lackawanna County received three proposals by Friday for a countywide study of cumulative health and air-quality impacts from proposed data centers and supporting power infrastructure in Pennsylvania.

9/12/2026 • Community & Local Opposition • General

Additional1 article · CI Score below 45

The New York Times

Pennsylvania County Studies Cumulative Data Center Pollution

Lackawanna County officials approved an independent study, due by year-end, of cumulative air pollution and health risks from proposed data centers and power plants in Pennsylvania.

10/1/2026 • Permitting & Regulation • General