The PA Chamber Energy & Innovation Institute held an educational event on data center development in Camp Hill, Cumberland County last week, bringing together experts from government, development, and engineering to address public concerns and highlight the benefits these projects can deliver to local communities. Speakers emphasized that through transparency, sound engineering, and strong community partnerships, data centers can serve as a transformative asset for Pennsylvania. Historical Perspective and Opportunity Kevin Miller, Chief Commercial Officer for U.S. Senator Dave McCormick, drew a parallel between data center development and the expansion of telephone poles in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, noting that infrastructure projects have long faced public skepticism before becoming an accepted part of everyday life. “People fear what they don’t understand,” Miller said, underscoring the importance of education and transparency. He stressed that successful development requires a “covenant” between companies and communities—one rooted in open communication and mutual benefits. He added that Pennsylvania should aspire to be “the easiest place in America to build good, responsible data centers—and the hardest place in the world to build bad ones.” Miller highlighted national security implications. Every nation is competing for technological supremacy and to build the data center and energy infrastructure necessary to support innovation. China’s energy grid has three-times the capacity of the U.S. grid, and they are building new capacity at a rate 10 times faster than the U.S. This growing gap underscores why the U.S. must urgently accelerate its own energy and data infrastructure development to remain globally competitive, both economically and militarily. Local Investment and Community Benefits Igal Feibush, CEO of PA Data Center Partners, offered a detailed look at a project already underway in Cumberland County. The proposed PAX 1 campus is a 1.35-gigawatt development designed to support advanced AI operations while also contributing excess power back to the grid. By bringing its own energy generation online and investing in transmission upgrades, the project will not only meet its own needs but also enhance reliability for surrounding homes and businesses. Feibush emphasized the importance of integrating projects into the community. The PAX 1 campus will feature 1,000-foot setbacks, extensive landscaping, and architectural standards designed to resemble a college campus—and making it largely invisible from surrounding areas. The economic impact, he noted, is substantial. The project is expected to generate approximately $10 million annually for Middlesex Township—effectively doubling its budget—and $45 million for the local school district, helping support educational needs without raising taxes. In addition, the development will create about 500 permanent jobs and 1,400 construction positions, with nearly zero impact on local traffic. Smart Growth and Local Decision-Making Swatara Township Commissioner Tom Connolly provided a local government perspective. A longtime community leader and father, Connolly emphasized that growth decisions ultimately come down to ensuring that future generations have access to strong schools, public services, and opportunities. Connolly described how more than 400 acres of underutilized land could have been converted into residential housing, bringing thousands of additional students into an already strained school system. That scenario would have required major investments in new schools and infrastructure—resulting in significant tax increases for residents. Instead, township leaders took a proactive approach, conducting research and ensuring the necessary infrastructure was in place before considering data center development. For Connolly, the choice was clear: rather than absorbing the financial strain of rapid residential growth, data centers allow communities to leverage private investment to strengthen their tax base and fund public priorities. A data center project, he noted, could add roughly $1 billion in new assessed value—nearly doubling the township’s current tax base. That growth would translate into millions in annual revenue for schools, local government, and county services, supporting investments in education, public safety, parks, and overall quality of life. Engineering Solutions and Environmental Assurance Clayton Bubeck, President and CEO of RETTEW, focused on how modern engineering and regulatory frameworks address many of the concerns associated with data center development. From setbacks and site design to stormwater controls and noise mitigation, Bubeck emphasized that potential impacts can be addressed through proven engineering solutions. And, he pointed out that Pennsylvania already has rigorous environmental protections in place. For instance, water usage is closely regulated through local and state agencies to ensure that any withdrawals from local supplies remain within sustainable limits. Modern data centers also utilize advanced cooling systems that recycle water, reducing overall demand. Looking Ahead The presentations reinforced a consistent message: data center development is not just about powering the digital economy—it is about strengthening communities. From job creation and tax revenue to infrastructure upgrades and energy reliability, when done properly, these projects can deliver meaningful, long-term benefits.