Activists in Philadelphia oppose new AI data center construction near residential areas
Shawmar Pitts and the Philly Thrive group are leading opposition to proposed AI data centers in Southwest Philadelphia due to environmental and health concerns.
Local resident shares industrial history
Shawmar Pitts has lived his entire life in the Grays Ferry neighborhood of Southwest Philadelphia. He grew up next to the East Coast's largest oil refinery before it shut down following an explosion in 2019. Many friends and family members suffered from chronic health conditions linked to that industrial site.
Community group raises alarms now
Pitts joined the activist organization Philly Thrive after seeing information about illnesses caused by living near refineries. He noted that nearly every house in his neighborhood had someone suffering from a condition listed on their health impact papers. Pitts is now the managing co-director of the group and leads the charge against new data center construction.
Residents fear similar outcomes again
Opponents argue that promises of new jobs and economic growth do not outweigh environmental risks for local communities. A majority of Americans currently oppose building data centers in their backyards over these specific concerns. Pitts states that the pitch from companies has not won over most residents who live nearby.
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