Thomas R. Henchey, Business Manager
Around the Local
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
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Analysis of factors driving data center developers to select Pennsylvania for major construction projects, including abundant energy resources, strategic location, and supportive business climate. The state's position as a major energy producer, combined with proximity to major East Coast markets, makes it attractive for large-scale data center development. Recent announcements include Google's $25 billion regional investment and Trump's $90 billion AI and data center initiative, creating unprecedented construction opportunities for electrical contractors and building trades throughout Pennsylvania. Source: datacenterfrontier.com
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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
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Pennsylvania State Senator Lindsey Williams announced legislation to protect utility customers from skyrocketing electricity costs caused by data center expansion. Williams argues that data centers should contribute to utility customer assistance programs despite getting electricity "behind the meter" directly from suppliers rather than the grid. The proposed legislation addresses concerns that massive data center construction is driving up energy costs for regular Pennsylvania residents while data center operators avoid contributing to assistance programs that help low-income customers pay their bills. Source: tristatealert.com
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The AFL-CIO honors the life and legacy of former United Steelworkers International President Leo W. Gerard, who recently passed away after serving 18 years as USW president from 2001-2019. Gerard was recognized as a visionary labor leader who fought tirelessly for workers' rights, safer jobs, better pay, and retirement security. His legacy includes receiving Canada's highest civilian honor, the Companion of the Order of Canada, and having the University of Toronto establish the USW/Leo Gerard Chair in his honor. Source: aflcio.org
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