RESEARCH LIBRARY
Resources for Poconos Residents
Explore the official records, project documents, studies, ordinances, and agency sources behind the developments we track across the Poconos.
PRIMARY SOURCES
Featured Local Documents
Primary records and source material grouped by project, so you can move from a claim on this site directly to the material behind it.
Smithfield Gateway
Pennsylvania Glacial Till
Project Hazelnut
Shawnee–Walker Transmission
Lehman Township
Looking for the full story on each of these developments?
EXPLORE LOCAL PROJECTSLOCAL GOVERNMENT
Local Ordinances & Planning Records
Data-center development is governed locally through zoning, land-use rules, and public review. These are the records behind those decisions.
GLOSSARY
Terms You'll See
Following a zoning fight for the first time? These terms come up a lot.
MONITOR IT YOURSELF
Official Sources
Want to follow these issues directly? Start with the agencies, municipalities, and utilities that hold the primary records. A location in DEP’s Data Center Permit Tracker may reflect early agency engagement rather than a submitted or approved permit, so check the project’s listed status.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Official county documents outlining proposed data-center zoning requirements, including setbacks, noise limits, special-exception review, battery storage and related power-generation provisions. The Planning Commission recommended the revised amendment on October 8, 2026. County Council adoption remains pending. The proposal covers 19 municipalities under county zoning; Newport Township is not covered.
Times Leader · October 8 Planning Commission recommendationSTATE & REGIONAL AGENCIES
Official PUC proceeding C-2026-3065756 concerning the Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate's October 2 complaint challenging PPL Electric's treatment of large data-center costs and reliability risks. Governor Shapiro filed a petition to intervene October 15. The case remains active.
PA General Assembly PJM Interconnection Susquehanna River Basin Commission Delaware River Basin Commission Pennsylvania Executive Order 2026-05 / GRID requirementsUTILITIES & INFRASTRUCTURE
FOR HOMEOWNERS
Practical Energy & Backup Power Resources
Concerns about electricity demand often raise practical questions closer to home: What am I paying for electricity? Where am I wasting energy? What should I keep powered during an outage? These resources help you understand your energy use, cut unnecessary consumption, compare electricity options, and prepare for outages safely.
PA Power Switch
The Pennsylvania PUC's official consumer site. Compare supplier offers at your address, see how different rate structures work, and understand the charges on your bill — including fixed-rate and renewable options.
COMPARE PA ELECTRIC RATESENERGY STAR — Savings at Home
A good starting point for household efficiency: insulation and air sealing, heating and cooling, efficient appliances, home upgrades, rebates, and other ways to cut energy use and costs.
EXPLORE HOME ENERGY SAVINGSDOE — Home Energy Assessments
A home energy assessment can pinpoint air leaks, insulation problems, and inefficient equipment. The Department of Energy offers guidance for both DIY assessments and professional evaluations.
ASSESS YOUR HOME'S ENERGY USE (PDF)Ready.gov — Power Outages
Federal guidance for preparing before an outage and staying safe while power is off — including carbon-monoxide precautions: run portable generators outdoors, away from doors, windows, and other openings.
PREPARE FOR AN OUTAGEHome Power Matrix
Practical guides and calculators for homeowners weighing generators, portable power stations, home batteries, or solar — turning wattage, capacity, and runtime into real household decisions.
DOE — Home Upgrades & Incentives
Information on energy-efficiency upgrades, home energy assessments, available incentives, weatherization assistance, and other programs meant to lower household energy costs.
FIND ENERGY SAVINGS & INCENTIVESHELP US KEEP THE RECORD STRAIGHT
Found a Document We Should Include?
Help us expand this library with original public documents relevant to development in the Poconos.
Have an official filing, permit notice, study, or hearing record relevant to data-center development in the Poconos? Tip submissions are not open yet. Keep the original document link for when submissions become available.