Articles from Scranton PA

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The Unknown Costs of Amazon's $20B Promise

Amazon plans to spend $20 billion to build two data centers in Pennsylvania, a move that state officials say will generate thousands of jobs over the next decade. However, critical details remain unclear, including the centers' full impact on electricity supply and pricing for consumers. These hyperscale computing centers for AI development require enormous amounts of power for operations and cooling, raising concerns about grid strain and potential rate increases for Pennsylvania residents. Source: spotlightpa.org

https://www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/06/amazon-data-centers-pennsylvania-tax-br…

PA Community Colleges Join Forces on Tech, Trades Workforce Consortium

Pennsylvania community colleges have formed a strategic consortium focused on developing skilled workers for technology and trades industries. This collaborative effort aims to address workforce shortages in critical sectors while providing students with pathways to high-demand careers. The consortium represents a coordinated approach to workforce development that aligns educational programs with industry needs, particularly in construction, manufacturing, and emerging technology fields that support Pennsylvania's economic growth. Source: thevalleyledger.com

https://www.thevalleyledger.com/?p=143178

PA Contractor Manages Projects in All Markets Thanks to Net Metering Win

A Pennsylvania solar contractor has successfully expanded operations across multiple market segments following favorable net metering policy developments. The contractor's ability to manage diverse project types - from residential to commercial installations - demonstrates how supportive state policies enable solar industry growth. This success story highlights the importance of net metering programs in creating viable business models for solar developers and installers throughout Pennsylvania. Source: solarpowerworldonline.com

https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2025/07/pa-contractor-manages-projects-in-…

Administration Targets Solar and Wind with Tighter Federal Permitting

The Trump administration has implemented new federal permitting requirements that mandate Interior Secretary Doug Burgum personally approve all solar and wind energy projects on federal lands and waters. This "elevated review" process covers more than 68 activities ranging from leases to construction permits, effectively placing renewable energy projects under heightened scrutiny that could significantly slow approvals and construction timelines. The directive eliminates what the administration calls "preferential treatment" for renewables compared to fossil fuel and nuclear projects.

https://www.cnbc.com/2025/07/17/solar-wind-permit-interior-department-burgum-tru…

Future of Solar Funding for PA Schools Uncertain

Pennsylvania's popular Solar for Schools program, which has committed millions to help schools reduce energy costs through solar panel installations, faces potential funding cuts from both state and federal levels. The bipartisan program could lose access to key federal tax credits, forcing schools to cancel or significantly downsize planned solar projects. Over 74 Pennsylvania schools have already received grants totaling $22.6 million, with the program saving districts hundreds of thousands annually in electricity costs. Source: msn.com

https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/future-of-solar-panel-funding-for-penn…

Spector, McCarthy : Will the AI Boom Be Powered by Big, Slow Energy Projects?

Industry experts examine whether large-scale, traditional energy infrastructure projects can adequately meet the rapidly growing power demands of artificial intelligence data centers and computing facilities. The article explores the tension between AI's immediate energy needs and the lengthy development timelines typically required for major power generation projects, questioning if utilities can adapt quickly enough to support the AI revolution. Source: canarymedia.com

https://www.canarymedia.com/articles/utilities/will-the-ai-boom-be-powered-by-bi…

Quigley : What Wasn't Discussed at Pennsylvania's AI Summit

A critical analysis of Pennsylvania's recent AI summit highlighting key topics and considerations that were overlooked during discussions about the state's artificial intelligence strategy and development. The commentary examines gaps in the conversation around AI implementation, infrastructure needs, and policy considerations that could impact Pennsylvania's position in the growing AI economy. Source: kleinmanenergy.upenn.edu

https://kleinmanenergy.upenn.edu/commentary/blog/what-wasnt-discussed-at-pennsyl…

PA Lawmakers Launch Effort to Reclaim Steelmaking Dominance

Pennsylvania state legislators have initiated a comprehensive effort to restore the commonwealth's historical leadership position in steel manufacturing and production. The initiative aims to leverage Pennsylvania's industrial heritage, existing infrastructure, and strategic advantages to compete in the modern steel market while potentially creating jobs and economic opportunities across the state's traditional manufacturing regions. Source: pahouse.com

https://www.pahouse.com/InTheNews/NewsRelease/?id=139483

Innovation Summit to Announce $70B in Pennsylvania AI, Energy Investments

President Trump and Sen. Dave McCormick will announce $70 billion in AI and energy investments for Pennsylvania at the inaugural Energy and Innovation Summit at Carnegie Mellon University. The investments include a $25 billion Blackstone project for data-center and energy infrastructure development in Northeast Pennsylvania, expected to create 6,000 construction jobs annually and 3,000 permanent positions.

https://www.axios.com/2025/07/14/trump-mccormick-ai-energy-summit-pittsburgh

Zito: Pittsburgh at Heart of America's 2nd Industrial Revolution

Opinion piece arguing that Pittsburgh is positioned to lead America's second industrial revolution, driven by its strategic location, energy resources, and technology infrastructure. The commentary highlights the city's potential to become a major hub for AI and energy innovation.

https://nypost.com/2025/07/13/opinion/pittsburgh-is-poised-to-be-at-the-heart-of…

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