Scranton, PA – September 3, 2025 – Nick Miller, chairman of the Senate Policy Committee, conducted a hearing to examine the legislator expecting proposals and discuss the details of the infrastructure and technology of the data center.
“As a policy and democratic chairman of the Senate Communication and Technology Committee, today’s interrogation consisted of discussing and learning more about data centers and impact on our communities” Senator Miller said. “Although data centers can significantly boost economic development, they also require significant energy, which will affect our energy future. Pennsylvania can become a national leader in craft strategies that promote long -term energy resistance, economic growth and innovation. Thank you to all certificates and my co -owner Senator Flynn for their contribution to our hearing.
“Because data centers are still developing in our region and all of Pennsylvania, it is important that we carefully consider both the possibilities they bring and the challenges they create” said Senator Marta Flynn. “Today’s interrogation concerned the assurance of Pennsylvania, not only to attract the investment, but also to balance the increase with responsible energy consumption, sustainable environmental development and the impact of the community. By submitting industry leaders, politicians and organizations in the area, we can develop a thoughtful path forward, which ensures economic growth, protecting the long -term interests that we offer.”
Stephen Defrank, president of Pennsylvania Utility Commission, emphasized the need for proper planning because he testified at the unique conference of the Federal Energy Regulatory Committee (FERC) in November last year about data centers and their mutual connections with the electrical network.
“Many Pennsylvanians know too well about the costs of poorly planned development. Although our industrial heritage contributed to our economic well -being, we have left future generations to deal with the influence of evil – or lack of planning,” said Defrank. “That is why we must make sure that the mistakes of our past are not repeated in the present to leave problems for the future. Now, at the beginning of this new wave of technological growth, it’s time to make sure that everything is well planned and done well.”
Defrank explained that Pennsylvania is experiencing extraordinary times in the energy sector, and the decisions we make in the next five to seven years will influence us for the next 70 years, which requires careful planning to bring benefits to all public utilities, local municipalities and the community.
Tony Nokovich, Vice President of Engineering in Pennsylvania American Water, emphasized the importance of supporting the growth of the data center, at the same time emphasizing key considerations, such as forecasting water demand, division of infrastructure costs, ability contracts, alternative water acquisition and operational resistance.
“American water in Pennsylvania is well prepared for dealing with this stress, because we invest about $ 700 million in infrastructure improvements on an annual basis throughout the community,” said Nokovich. “Our infrastructure and systems are prepared for consumption management, but other water tools may not be able to provide the same reliability. Therefore, it is important to place data centers in areas where reliable water service is available.”
In addition, Nokovich encouraged an open dialogue between waters and electrical tools, inter -state water committees and local communities affected by data centers. He emphasized that these communications would lead to a more reasonable policy that takes into account the needs and fears of everyone influenced by data centers.
Holly M. Fishel from Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors due to rapid progress in artificial intelligence, data centers become a significant employ of land, which prompts the rule of the city to update regulations regarding land employ. PSATS supports efforts to improve the permit at the state level, because their members have first -hand experience with ind -hearted state permits.
However, improving the permission processes should not be exemptions that cost us necessary supervision to protect our residents and the environment, said Fishel.
“Data centers take place in our nations community,” said Fishel. “However,, like any use of land, we should not hurry their development due to the headline or message of the message. These projects will have a long -term impact on the communities in which they run them, so it is very important to maintain local decision making and avoid one size that suits all the programs specified by the state.”
Nicole W. Luciano, political director at Energy Association of Pennsylvania, testified about challenges that may result from the growth of data centers.
“The forecast growth from data centers is part of a wider challenge of the adequacy of the resources facing Pennsylvania,” said Luciano. “Our state, like many others, experiences an unprecedented increase in electrical demand from electrification and energy -saving industries, while existing market structures have difficulty providing proper supply.”
Frank Mazza, director of government relations in the poviats of the Commissioners of the Pennsylvania Association (CCAP), expressed the urgency of poviat plans existing to protect public interest and infrastructure against the potential effect of data centers with rainwater control, energy consumption, featherlight, sight and sound.
“Local self -governments must make due diligence in the assessment of these influences and, accordingly, regulating zoning and development,” said Mazza. “Although local zone codes and permission processes may be required to review and update to facilitate development, local governments must cooperate with industry partners to achieve the best results for residents.”
Finally, Margaret Durkin, the executive director of Technet, stated the obligation of Technet and her member companies to cooperate with regulatory bodies and legislators.
“We want Pennsylvania to be competitive and open to business in future investments,” said Durkin. “We encourage the legislator to cooperate with the industry in order to develop sustainable policies promoting environmental goals without prejudice to innovation and economic growth.”
The trial certificates included:
- Stephen Defrank, chairman, Public Utility Commission
- Robert Routh, Politics Director, Pennsylvania Climate & Energy – National Resources Defense Council
- Frank Mazza, director of government relations, Poviat Commissioners’ Association in Pennsylvania
- Holly M. Fishel, director of politics and research, Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors
- Tony Nokovich, PE, Vice President for Engineering, Pennsylvania in the American Water water
- Nicole Luciano, CAE, IOM, Politics Director, Energy Association of PA
- Shelby Linton-Keddie, senior director, government, regulations and external matters, PPL Electric Utilities
- Bob Durkin, president and director, Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce
- Mike McDermott, president, scranton building trades council
- Margaret Durkin, Executive Director, Pennsylvania and Mid-Atlantic, Technet
Certificate
Panel 1: Commission prospects
Panel 2: Impact of the community
Panel 3: Impact on tools and mesh
Panel 4: Economic considerations
Additional testimonies
Senator Nick Miller was elected chairman of the policy of the Senate of the Democratic Club in December 2024. Today’s interrogation was its ninth chairman.
The film material from the interrogation, as well as the written testimonies of the panel, are available at Pasenatormiller.com/policy. Photographs and video for download are available on demand.
Learn more about the commitment of PA Senac Democrats in the protection of our community of nations and other legislative priorities at www.pasenate.com.
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