Leading data center trade group weighs in on NEPA’s data center landscape

Dan Diorio, vice president of public policy for the Data Center Coalition (DCC), shared insights on the data center landscape in Northeast Pennsylvania, estimating that only 25% or less of the proposed campuses in the region will actually come to fruition. He noted that Northeast Pennsylvania's available land, access to high-tension power lines, and high-speed fiber optic internet make it an attractive emerging market for data center developers. Diorio identified "time to market" as a critical factor for developers and highlighted challenges stemming from "new entrants" into the industry who lack the experience of established firms. He explained that these less sophisticated developers often skew the marketplace and make it difficult for utilities and regulators to accurately assess project viability and forecast resource demands, particularly for electricity and water. He also pointed out that PPL Corporation and Blackstone Infrastructure are partnering to build natural gas power plants in the state to support data centers. Addressing public concerns, Diorio clarified that data centers are typically sited in industrial areas with existing infrastructure. He stressed that high estimates for water usage often represent worst-case scenarios, with actual consumption usually being much lower, and noted the industry's commitment to water-efficient technologies. Diorio emphasized that data center buildings are long-term investments, often operational for 30-plus years, and called for ongoing robust stakeholder engagement to educate the public on the benefits and realities of these projects.