Blair County legislators address community concerns over future data center development
Blair County legislators hosted an informational meeting to address community concerns about future data center development in Pennsylvania. Representatives Andrea Verobish and Scott Barger discussed potential impacts on the power grid and environment, as well as legislative efforts to mitigate these issues, including the co-sponsored Ratepayer Protections Act. The meeting highlighted how increased data center demand within the 13-state PJM electric grid could raise electricity costs for consumers, even if facilities are built elsewhere.
Blair County, Pennsylvania, was the site of an informational meeting hosted by state legislators to discuss the anticipated rise in data center development across the commonwealth and the nation. Representatives Andrea Verobish and Scott Barger addressed approximately 200 constituents at the Blair County Convention Center, focusing on public concerns regarding the potential impacts of data centers on the power grid and the environment.
Representative Scott Barger explained that Pennsylvania's participation in the 13-state PJM electric grid means that data center development, even in other states within the grid, could increase local electricity costs due to supply and demand. He noted that the cost of electricity on the capacity market has surged by 1,500% in two years, driven by the anticipation of increased power needs.
Representative Andrea Verobish detailed the strict environmental guidelines data centers must follow, highlighting Governor Josh Shapiro’s executive order that established "guardrails" for data centers. She emphasized that developers must comply with permit conditions and legally binding commitments, with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) holding inspection and enforcement authority.
Both legislators informed attendees that they co-sponsored the Ratepayer Protections Act, legislation designed to prevent data centers from shifting energy costs onto everyday customers. They encouraged concerned citizens to contact their local legislators with questions about proposed data center projects.