Michael Sauers

April 2, 2026

Having been involved in economic development, environmental justice and community development for nearly fifty years, I can attest to several lessons learned. One is that the majority of residents in local communities and even regions are ill prepared for large scale industrial development projects. This was true fifty years ago just as it is true today.

The majority of citizens are working, sometimes two or three jobs to keep up with the Jones’ and chase the American dream. There are houses, children, cars, educations, healthcare and more to fully occupy people’s lives.

So, when nuke plant, landfill, warehouse, data center, garbage transfer station, etc projects come to town it is overwhelming. Industry knows this. State/local government knows this. Politicians know this. Economic development organizations know this. They all know that local residents are behind the eight ball and have to start from scratch to deal with these situations.

Purposely, those in the know (listed above) select rural, sparsely populated, poorly educated communities who are under resourced and have historically had a difficult time researching and determining the appropriateness of billion dollar proposals. Proponents and local stakeholders line up like ducks and bend over backwards to welcome these proposals. Promises of jobs, jobs, jobs and increased tax revenues usually lead the way. Additionally, local, state, and federal corporate welfare (taxpayer money) monies begin to magically appear. The local press usually serves as cheerleaders unless they are called out by community members (they usually are).

Most of the time, local communities get steam rolled. It is a nightmare.

Of course, there is always a small part of the community that takes on the challenge. It is an uphill battle as their opponents are well funded and bursting with lawyers and experts. It can be intimidating.

So, I propose a new paradigm for communities to follow. To begin, the community at large is involved in their future economic development. What do they want? Put it on the ballot. Secondly, the state will create a fund that communities will use to hire independent experts and lawyers to help them determine the appropriateness of immense proposals. This fund can be created out of the present corporate welfare schemes that are rampant in Pennsylvania. Again, put it on the ballot. Third, there will be no paring down of the permitting process, in fact, it needs to be enhanced by a series of public town hall meetings. Finally, local communities have the right to say NO!

Obviously, this needs to be detailed but it is a sound working skeleton. The people most affected by proposals need to be thoroughly informed, heard and given the final say.

Chew on it!