Articles from Harrisburg PA

Lancaster County is embroiled in a legal dispute over AI data center development, with local officials and community groups challenging aspects of proposed data center construction projects. The legal battle reflects growing tensions between rapid data center expansion and local concerns about environmental impact, infrastructure strain, and community input in development decisions. The outcome could set important precedents for data center development approval processes and community oversight of major technology infrastructure projects throughout Pennsylvania. Source: wgal.com

Governor Josh Shapiro warned that Pennsylvania could begin the process of withdrawing from PJM Interconnection, the organization that manages the regional electricity grid for 13 states, if meaningful reforms are not implemented within months. Shapiro cited surging energy bills and the need for grid operator changes to protect consumers from rising costs driven partly by data center expansion. As the largest energy producer in the PJM system, Pennsylvania's potential exit would have massive implications for regional electrical infrastructure and construction projects throughout the mid-Atlantic region. Source: whyy.org

Pittsburgh-area communities are expressing optimism about AI data center development while questioning whether promised economic benefits will materialize for local residents. The analysis examines how major data center construction projects could bring jobs and investment to the region, but warns that community benefits agreements and local hiring requirements aren't automatically guaranteed. The piece highlights the need for proactive planning to ensure that massive infrastructure investments translate into meaningful opportunities for local construction workers and contractors rather than just benefiting large corporations. Source: penncapital-star.com

Residents and community groups in Chester and Eddystone are organizing opposition to a proposed $7 billion liquified natural gas terminal along the Delaware River. The facility would export Pennsylvania's fracked gas but raises concerns about increased emissions, pollution, and explosion risks. The opposition comes as the Trump administration pushes to dramatically increase LNG exports nationwide. Source: penncapital-star.com