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Taylor Township residents deserve a clear answer about who can say no to a data center. Solicitor Patrick Fanelli says municipalities cannot simply ban a legal use. The governor’s spokeswoman says his executive order ties state permits to local support.
Those are different explanations of the same approval process. Residents should not have to hire a lawyer to work out what their participation can change.
Harrisburg should put that process into plain language: which decisions belong to the municipality, which belong to the state, and what happens when a project meets technical requirements but the community opposes it. Lawmakers should address any gaps that an executive order cannot close.
About 200 people attended the hearing. Public participation means little if nobody can explain what legal weight it carries.
Jackie Omotalade
Pittsburgh