'Facts, science, evidence': Commissioners OK data center health impact study

Capping months of sometimes contentious discussion over how to best approach the project, Lackawanna County commissioners awarded a contract Wednesday for a data center health impact study and could have the final report in hand by Christmas.
The pending assessment by Massachusetts-based EmPower Analytics Group will attempt to quantify the potential cumulative impacts of controversial data centers, power plants and related infrastructure proposed in the county on air quality and public health. The firm is behind a similar but more limited scope study of the proposed Wildcat Ridge Data Center Campus in Archbald.