DUNMORE, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Data centers have been getting lots of attention in NEPA lately, and now state legislators are joining the conversation to find out how the potential developments may impact their constituents.
A meeting at a local university on Tuesday hoped to inform the local community and lawmakers on all aspects of the growing industry.
The meeting gave nearly a dozen state lawmakers a chance to question the experts on energy regulation, energy usage, and economic development, and how data centers could impact each facet of everyday life.
Data center development meetings have become a regular thing in NEPA but Tuesday's roundtable at Marywood University was different. State legislators are taking a proactive approach to address the public's concerns.
"Our responsibility is to hear from experts, gather facts, and examine both the opportunities and the risks before decisions are made," Senator Marty Flynn stated.
The meeting, hosted by Senators Marty Flynn and Nick Miller, was held to provide both lawmakers and the public with information about the rapidly growing but still adolescent industry.
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Some experts touted the potential economic benefits of the budding business while also considering the views of those affected.
"Not just are we talking about the idea of data centers, looking at the benefits in the form of jobs, private investment, long-term return on the tax base, we also have to respect the views of our citizens as we go through this process," Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Bob Durkin explained.
While others focused more on the regulations.
"Even with our significant infrastructure investments, the increased demand for electricity at our current forecasts will require the need to site new transmission lines and, in some cases, will also require the construction of additional substations," PPL Electric Utilities Senior Director of Government, Regulatory Policy, and External Affairs Shelby Linton-Keddie said.
While there are still many questions about how the potential development could change the landscape here in NEPA, both literally and figuratively, lawmakers say they are keeping the needs of their constituents a top priority.
"Whatever direction we take, it must align with Pennsylvania's long-term goals. Economic, environmental, and community alike," Senator Flynn added.
It's important to note that no decisions were made at this meeting; it served only as an information session.
