CaseLock Community Investigation

Salem Township, Pennsylvania
Data Center Takeover Investigation

Luzerne County, Pennsylvania · July 26, 2026

Four data-center projects — SDCO (4,098 ac), AWS (1,600 ac), QTS (1,700 ac), and Salem 3 (4,466 ac) — are converging on Salem Township. If Salem 3 passes, 54.8% of the entire township becomes a data-center overlay. The whole pipeline is backed by the Talen Energy Susquehanna nuclear plant, and the township's moratorium was tabled when the applications arrived.

4 Data CentersNuclear-Powered54.8% Takeover
Read the Salem Township Investigation (PDF)

The Four Projects

ProjectAcresNotes
SDCO4,098Largest single data-center tract in the township
Amazon AWS Campus1,600Hyperscale — powered by Talen nuclear behind-the-meter
QTS / Blackstone Campus1,700Colocation campus
Salem 3 Expansion4,466If approved: 54.8% of the township becomes a data-center overlay

Combined: 11,864 acres — a majority of the township if Salem 3 is approved.

Nuclear Power — Talen Energy

Susquehanna Nuclear Plant — Behind-the-Meter for Data Centers
Operator
Talen Energy
Facility
Susquehanna Steam Electric Station
Capacity
~2,500 MW
Role
Behind-the-meter power for AWS / data-center loads
Concern
Nuclear output dedicated to data centers while residents face rate impacts
The ~2,500 MW Susquehanna station is being tied directly to data-center loads (notably AWS) through behind-the-meter arrangements — dedicating a nuclear plant to compute while the community absorbs the land, water, and grid consequences.

Water & Environment

Township-Scale Overwrite
Township
Salem Township, Luzerne County, PA
Total DC Acreage (if Salem 3 passes)
11,864 acres
Township Share
54.8% becomes a data-center overlay
Moratorium
Tabled when the applications arrived

Community Opposition

Commissioner Scott Bellum

Raised concerns about tabling the moratorium the moment applications landed.

Karla Jean

Community advocate organizing residents against the takeover.

Salem Township on the Map

No Map Data Yet

Community investigation pins and transmission line data will appear here once available.

Download the Salem Township Investigation (PDF)

Compiled by CaseLock from Salem Township / Luzerne County public records, Talen Energy filings, and Pennsylvania DEP data.
This is an informational community investigation, not legal advice. Residents with direct concerns should consult an attorney.