Sen. Dave McCormick gets update on Homer City data center project, pitches permit reform

U.S. Senator Dave McCormick recently met with the Homer City Redevelopment team in Pittsburgh to get an update on their expansive power plant and data center project in Indiana County, Pennsylvania. The initiative involves converting a former coal power plant site into a natural gas-fired facility capable of generating up to 4.5 gigawatts of electricity, with a portion of this power designated for data centers on site and the remainder feeding the grid. According to CEO Corey Hessen, construction is progressing, with 93,000 tons of steel and scrap metal already recycled and vertical construction beginning on electric interconnection equipment. The first of seven natural gas turbines is expected in June, with project completion aimed for 2029, potentially employing 3,600 people during construction and 200 full-time workers after completion. Senator McCormick expressed support for the project, suggesting it would help lower energy prices in Pennsylvania. He is sponsoring federal legislation to streamline permit reviews, proposing a one-year deadline for federal permits related to waterways, limiting court challenges, and extending nuclear plant licenses. McCormick criticized environmental activists for allegedly