Pennsylvania lawmakers are debating legislation to create a state board to oversee new energy projects, addressing the ongoing tension between state and local control over renewable energy siting. The proposed bill would establish statewide oversight while requiring developers to inform local officials about project impacts and community benefits. Pennsylvania is currently one of only 12 states without a state agency to review renewable energy project approvals, leading to calls for streamlined permitting processes.

York College of Pennsylvania breaks ground on an expansion of Northside Commons residence hall, adding a new wing to house over 200 additional students. The project includes air conditioning, multipurpose areas, and upgraded furniture, with completion scheduled for next summer. College officials emphasize their commitment to investing in student facilities while many institutions are scaling back.

Volvo Construction Equipment announces a $40 million investment over five years to expand manufacturing at its Shippensburg, Pennsylvania facility. The expansion will increase production capacity for excavators and loaders, driven by growing demand and the need to improve supply chain logistics while reducing reliance on long-distance shipping.

Northeastern Pennsylvania emerges as a prime location for data center development, with community colleges playing a crucial role in workforce development. The region's strategic position and educational infrastructure make it attractive for tech companies seeking to establish data center operations.

Pennsylvania oil and gas industry leaders respond to regulatory criticism, emphasizing the sector's economic importance with over 100,000 jobs and billions in revenue. The op-ed argues that Pennsylvania's energy resources are crucial for attracting AI data centers and warns against burdensome regulations that could hurt competitiveness with neighboring states.

The Pennsylvania Senate Labor and Industry Committee unanimously approved Senate Bill 72, strengthening protections for construction workers who are misclassified as independent contractors. The bipartisan legislation aims to combat worker misclassification in the construction industry and ensures proper employee protections and benefits.

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