Data centers, energy demand to headline PA Chamber Energy & Environmental Conference Business leaders, policymakers, regulators, and energy and environmental professionals from across Pennsylvania will gather Oct. 28 for the PA Chamber’s Energy & Environmental Conference at the Sheraton Harrisburg Hershey. The conference will focus on key issues shaping Pennsylvania’s energy supply, infrastructure, and economic competitiveness, including the growing demand associated with data centers. Governor Shapiro’s Deputy Chief of Staff Sam Robinson, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Executive Deputy Secretary Ramez Ziadeh, and Pennsylvania Utility Commission Chairman Stephen DeFrank will headline a panel discussion of the governor’s executive order on data centers, its implementation, and its implications for businesses, energy demand, and infrastructure investment. The program will also feature: Financing the infrastructure needed to support Pennsylvania’s economic growth Updates on local and national climate change litigation impacting employers Maximizing Pennsylvania’s diverse energy resources to support future electricity demand and business expansion Recent state and federal policy developments affecting the energy and environmental sectors The conference will also provide networking and continuing education opportunities for attendees. Register today to hear directly from policymakers, utility leaders, and legal experts on the issues shaping the state’s energy future. A limited number of sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities remain available. Contact Christina Kelly at ckelly@pachamber.org for more information.
Member News Roundup – Sept. 28, 2026 PA Chamber members are leading the way across Pennsylvania, creating jobs, investing in their communities, and driving innovation. Each week, we are proud to spotlight some of the latest news and accomplishments from businesses across our membership. Transportation Pittsburgh International Airport has been named Airport of the Year by Air Transport World, marking the second time it has received the global aviation honor. The airport first won the award in 2017, becoming the first U.S. airport to receive the recognition. The honor comes after a major year for PIT, which opened its $1.7 billion new landside terminal last November and continued upgrades to its center core, shopping, dining, and passenger experience. Air Transport World’s award recognizes airports that perform strongly in areas including airline relationships, network growth, passenger experience, security, sustainability, and innovation. Read more from the Pittsburgh Business Times. The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) has announced an ambitious plan for the future as the transit agency continues to modernize. Last week, SEPTA unveiled its “Accelerate” plan, which would see upgrades across the system, including new train cars, shorter wait times, and upgrades to stations. Part of the plan is already underway. SEPTA rolled out its new bus network Aug. 23, the transit system’s first comprehensive redesign in its six-decade history. The changes aim to make the bus network more efficient, more reliable, and easier to navigate. Read more from CBS Philadelphia. Health Care UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing is launching a part-time program in Harrisburg, providing flexible nursing education options. The school announced the expansion of its program to include a 32-month part-time diploma program for registered nurses (RNs). Applications are open now through Oct. 1 for the new program, which begins classes in January. Read more from the Central Penn Business Journal. Financial Services PSECU has added four senior leaders to its leadership team since January. According to a media release, the four new hires are across its marketing, product strategy, digital operations, and technology areas. New hires include John Konstantos as Vice President of Marketing and Brand; Bret Davis as Vice President of Technology; Amy Coates as Director of Digital Originations and Onboarding; and Steve Juodawlkis as Director of Deposit and Non-Interest Income Product Strategy. According to PSECU, the new hires come as the organization continues investing in a more personalized and connected member experience. Read more from the Central Penn Business Journal. Higher Education The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education has announced it will host nearly 20 events in eastern and western Pennsylvania in the coming weeks to connect with high school students. The initiative is the first outreach effort coordinated among all 10 PASSHE universities. Buses will bring students to campuses, including students who might otherwise have difficulty making the trip. Students will learn about academic programs and financial aid, meet with admissions teams, and tour campuses. The PASSHE Foundation is funding bus transportation for students. Read more from the Pittsburgh Business Times. Food & Drink Sarris Candies has announced a new partnership with Giant Eagle to bring a new ice cream shop to downtown Pittsburgh. The Canonsburg-based chocolate maker has long operated an iconic ice cream shop in the South Hills and recently opened its nearby factory for guided tours. Now, Sarris is expanding into Pittsburgh city proper, partnering with Giant Eagle to open a Sarris Scoop Shop in the Penn Avenue Market District that will serve ice cream cones, sundaes, milkshakes, and other pre-packaged treats. Read more from the Pittsburgh Business Times. Utilities PPL Electric Utilities will receive up to $71.5 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Energy for technology upgrades. The funding will support the Montour Grid Resilience and Advanced Reconductoring Project, a major modernization of an existing 230-kilovolt transmission corridor. PPL Electric will work with the DOE to negotiate and finalize the terms of the award over the coming months. The proposed Montour Grid Resilience and Advanced Reconductoring Project will rebuild approximately 29.3 miles of existing transmission line, replacing aging infrastructure with advanced technologies that strengthen reliability. The project is expected to enhance the line’s available capacity and support growing energy needs while maximizing the use of existing infrastructure, providing long-term reliability and affordability benefits to customers throughout the Susquehanna Valley, Greater Lehigh Valley, and Northeast Pennsylvania. Read more from Lehigh Valley Business. Duquesne Light Company and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently held a press conference to spotlight the utility’s deployment of new advanced technologies to help increase capacity and resiliency on the regional electric grid. DLC and DOE highlighted the progress that’s been made since 2023, when DLC received a $19.7 million DOE grant to invest in grid modernization projects over a five-year period in Allegheny and Beaver counties. “Unleashing American energy dominance requires a grid that can deliver affordable, reliable, and secure power,” said Katie Jereza, assistant secretary for the DOE’s Office of Electricity. “Together with Duquesne Light Company, we’re putting public-private partnerships into action to unlock more capacity from the existing infrastructure we have. For western Pennsylvania, that means a stronger foundation to power homes, businesses, and economic growth.” Read more from Pennsylvania Business Report.
Electric Reliability Debate Highlights Need for More Energy Production Pennsylvania’s latest electric reliability debate is increasingly being framed around a critical question: should policymakers limit large new energy users such as data centers, or should the Commonwealth instead focus on producing more power? A recent Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission study found that rapid growth in electricity demand, including for data centers, could create reliability challenges across the PJM region if generation resources fail to keep pace. The report warned that demand and supply are moving out of balance and called for a broader energy strategy to address the imbalance. For Pennsylvania’s business community, the study reinforces a concern that extends beyond data centers. Reliable and affordable electricity remains essential for manufacturers, energy producers, hospitals, schools, warehouses, office buildings, and nearly every other sector of the economy. Any long-term solution must ensure sufficient power is available for both existing businesses and new investment opportunities. Data centers have become a focal point because of their substantial electricity needs, particularly as artificial intelligence applications expand. Yet they also represent billions of dollars in potential capital investment, construction activity, local tax revenue, energy infrastructure upgrades and investments that benefit existing business and residents, and high-skilled jobs. Restricting development would risk pushing significant economic opportunities to competing states. The more fundamental challenge identified by the PUC is not simply growing demand; it is the mismatch between rising demand and insufficient supply. The study found that reliability concerns become most acute when electricity consumption increases while new generation resources fail to come online quickly enough to replace retiring facilities and serve future growth. That reality has significant implications for Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth is one of the nation’s leading energy-producing states, the top exporter of electricity, and sits atop abundant natural gas resources. At the same time, businesses across multiple sectors increasingly depend on large amounts of reliable electricity to compete in a modern economy. Manufacturing, advanced technology, artificial intelligence and economic development all require dependable power. Pennsylvania’s ability to attract investment, create jobs, and remain economically competitive will depend in part on whether businesses can count on reliable, affordable electricity. The PUC’s analysis suggests that achieving that goal may require a renewed focus on expanding energy production and infrastructure, rather than limiting the projects driving future economic growth.
Fed Rate Hike Could Increase Borrowing Costs for Pennsylvania Employers The Federal Reserve this week approved its first interest rate increase in more than three years, raising the federal funds rate by 25 basis points to a target range of 3.75 percent to four percent. Federal Reserve officials cited persistent inflation, a strong economy, and tension in the Middle East as reasons for the move and signaled additional rate increases could follow later this year. In announcing the decision, the Federal Open Market Committee said economic activity continues to expand at a solid pace, with strong productivity growth, robust capital investment, and a stable labor market. However, policymakers concluded that inflation remains elevated and that tighter monetary policy is necessary to restore price stability. While the decision was aimed at bringing inflation closer to the Fed’s two percent target, it could create new challenges for Pennsylvania businesses by increasing the cost of borrowing and potentially slowing economic activity. For employers, higher interest rates translate into more expensive financing. Businesses that rely on variable-rate loans, lines of credit, or commercial financing may face increased borrowing costs in the months ahead. Companies considering major capital investments, facility expansions, or equipment purchases could also see projects become more expensive to finance. The impact could be especially significant for small and mid-sized businesses, which often depend on borrowed capital to manage cash flow, invest in growth opportunities, or weather economic uncertainty. Higher financing costs can make it more difficult to expand operations, hire additional workers, or undertake long-term investments. The rate increase may also affect key sectors of Pennsylvania’s economy. Higher interest rates generally place additional pressure on real estate markets by increasing mortgage costs and reducing affordability for prospective homebuyers. Manufacturers, construction firms, and other capital-intensive industries could likewise face higher financing expenses for equipment, inventory, and development projects. At the same time, some economists view the move as evidence of continued economic strength. Federal Reserve officials noted that domestic spending has remained resilient, job growth has kept pace with workforce growth, and capital investment remains strong despite higher borrowing costs. The Fed’s updated projections suggest policymakers may not be finished tightening monetary policy. According to forecasts released alongside the decision, most officials believe another rate increase could be warranted before the end of 2026 if inflation remains stubbornly above target. For Pennsylvania’s business community, the latest rate hike underscores the delicate balance between controlling inflation and maintaining economic growth. While lower inflation can provide long-term benefits for employers and consumers alike, higher borrowing costs may create near-term headwinds for businesses seeking to invest, expand, and create jobs. As policymakers continue to monitor economic conditions, employers across the Commonwealth will be watching closely for signs of whether last week’s increase marks a one-time adjustment or the beginning of a broader tightening cycle.
Pennsylvania’s Next Frontier Starts Here! The Statewide Voice of Business is growing, and so are your member benefits. The PA Chamber recently announced a strategic affiliation with the Keystone Space Collaborative (KSC), bringing together KSC’s industry expertise and the PA Chamber’s statewide advocacy and business leadership network to strengthen Pennsylvania’s position in the rapidly growing space economy. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to advancing aerospace, defense, advanced manufacturing, technology innovation, research, and commercial space development across the Commonwealth. Experience It Firsthand at the 2026 Keystone Space Conference One of the premier benefits of KSC membership is access to the 2026 Keystone Space Conference on October 27 at the Omni William Penn in Pittsburgh, where industry leaders from across Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia will gather to discuss the future of space, innovation, and economic growth. This year’s keynote speaker is NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, the Pennsylvanian , entrepreneur, pilot, and commercial astronaut who will share NASA’s vision for the future and participate in a live audience Q&A. You’ll also hear from experts on: Space infrastructure and commercialization The future of the regional (PA, OH, WV) space economy Federal policy and investment opportunities Emerging technologies shaping the industry Whether you’re already involved in aerospace and defense or interested in where Pennsylvania’s economy is headed next, this new partnership creates exciting opportunities to engage, connect, and lead. We look forward to announcing additional exciting ways for PA Chamber members to access Keystone Space Collaborative programming, events, networking opportunities, research, and exclusive member benefits in the months ahead. This strategic affiliation is just the beginning, and we’re excited to help our members connect with one of the fastest-growing sectors shaping Pennsylvania’s future. Register here today!
Data Center Forum Highlights Economic Development Opportunities for Pennsylvania About 100 industry representatives, local officials, and economic development stakeholders gathered last week in Pottsville to discuss the economic opportunities and community considerations surrounding data center development in Pennsylvania The roundtable was hosted by the Pennsylvania Energy and Innovation Institute, an initiative of the PA Chamber Foundation. The discussion focused on the economic benefits of data center investment and its potential impacts on energy use, water consumption, infrastructure, workforce development, and local economies. George Stark, senior energy advisor for the Institute, emphasized during the discussion that data center projects in the state are being driven by growing market demand rather than speculation. Becky Ford from Amazon Web Services noted that the company is building data center complexes in Luzerne and Bucks counties and is pursuing an additional campus in Schuylkill County. Ford said current infrastructure can meet only a fraction of projected data demand and argued that substantial additional development will be needed to support future computing and cloud-storage requirements. Beyond the facilities themselves, panelists discussed how data centers can serve as catalysts for broader economic development. Representatives from PPL, NorthPoint Development, and engineering firms RETTEW, Woolpert, and Barry Isett & Associates said major projects can spur investment in roads, utilities, and electric infrastructure that can benefit surrounding communities and support future business growth. Workforce development was another key theme. Representatives from Lehigh Carbon Community College discussed efforts to adapt training programs and coursework to prepare workers for data center-related careers, while a representative from Geisinger highlighted the growing importance of advanced computing resources in modern health care. The discussion comes as state and local policymakers weigh the potential economic benefits of data center investment alongside concerns about energy, water, and community impacts. Panelists pointed to Pennsylvania’s energy resources, workforce, and location as factors that could help the commonwealth attract investment tied to artificial intelligence. As demand for computing capacity continues to grow, the Pottsville roundtable provided an opportunity for industry and community leaders to examine the infrastructure, energy, and workforce needs that will accompany that growth and consider Pennsylvania’s role in the expanding digital economy.
Allegheny County Paid Leave Proposal Advances With Major Changes; Business Concerns Remain A proposed Allegheny County paid parental leave mandate is moving forward with significant revisions, but employers and business groups continue to raise concerns about the policy’s cost, administration, and potential impact on economic competitiveness. The Allegheny County Board of Health recently approved changes to the proposal ahead of a scheduled Sept. 28 vote that would send the measure to Allegheny County Council for consideration. If adopted, the ordinance would require certain employers to provide up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave following the birth, adoption, or placement of a child, in contrast to the 18 weeks in the original proposal. According to officials, Allegheny County would become the first county in the nation to implement a countywide paid leave mandate without a corresponding state law. Several key provisions were revised following months of public comment. Employers with fewer than 15 employees would now be exempt, as would temporary and seasonal workers. Employee eligibility requirements were also tightened. Rather than qualifying after 30 days of employment, full-time employees would need six months of service, while part-time employees would need to work 625 hours before becoming eligible. The proposal would still require employers to provide 100 percent wage replacement, up to $4,200 per week, and would allow employers to purchase qualifying private insurance policies to offset costs. The PA Chamber joined a coalition of state trade associations representing different sectors of employers opposing the proposal. The coalition argued that placing the full financial and administrative burden on employers could create significant challenges for businesses, particularly small and mid-sized employers. They warned that employers could face the prospect of simultaneously paying an employee on leave and a replacement worker, substantially increasing labor costs. The coalition also raised concerns about the creation of a county-specific mandate that differs from state and federal leave requirements, arguing that employers operating in multiple jurisdictions would face additional compliance and administrative burdens
Member News Roundup – Sept. 21, 2026 PA Chamber members are leading the way across Pennsylvania, creating jobs, investing in their communities, and driving innovation. Each week, we are proud to spotlight some of the latest news and accomplishments from businesses across our membership. Transportation & Innovation RIDC is developing the $30 million Pennsylvania Safety Transportation and Research Track (PennSTART) at RIDC Westmoreland, a new testing and research facility focused on autonomous vehicles, transportation safety and emerging technologies. Scheduled to open in 2027, the 200-acre site will feature a two-mile test track and simulation center where companies, researchers and first responders can evaluate autonomous vehicles, drones, robotics and traffic-safety technologies. RIDC officials said the project will help attract testing and innovation activity to Pennsylvania while supporting growth in the region’s autonomy and robotics sectors. Read more from the Pittsburgh Business Times Energy Exus Renewables North America recently completed the repowering of the Highland North and Cambria wind farms in Cambria County, extending the projects’ operational life by an estimated 30 years while increasing clean-energy production. The nearly $300 million investment upgraded turbine components while reusing existing infrastructure, including towers, foundations and underground collection systems. Company officials said the project will generate long-term economic benefits for Adams, Summerhill and Portage townships through local spending, landowner payments, taxes and fees. Read more from WJAC-TV Matt Mackowiak, director of government affairs for Core Natural Resources, recently testified before the Pennsylvania House Republican Policy Committee, emphasizing the importance of policies that support energy production, infrastructure development and long-term investment in Pennsylvania’s energy sector. Mackowiak highlighted the role the Commonwealth’s energy resources play in supporting jobs, economic growth and grid reliability. He joined other industry representatives in discussing how regulatory certainty and timely permitting can help Pennsylvania remain competitive as electricity demand continues to grow across the PJM region. Read more from Pennsylvania Business Report Marketing & Communications Former U.S. Ambassador to Canada and longtime Philadelphia business leader David L. Cohen has made a strategic investment in Philadelphia-based Athena Global Advisors and will serve as the firm’s vice chair. Cohen said the investment reflects his confidence in Athena’s growth potential and will provide additional capital to support the company’s continued expansion. Since returning to Philadelphia following his diplomatic service, Cohen has taken on a number of civic and business leadership roles and said he was drawn to Athena’s work helping organizations strengthen their brands, communications, and public engagement efforts. Read more from the Philadelphia Business Journal Brownstein Group affiliate Red Thread PR has been named to PRNEWS’ 2027 Agency Elite Top 120, a national recognition honoring top-performing communications firms across the country. The recognition highlights Red Thread PR’s continued growth and success delivering strategic communications, media relations and public affairs services for clients nationwide. As part of the Brownstein Group network, Red Thread PR contributes to the agency’s integrated marketing, advertising and communications capabilities, helping organizations strengthen their brands and engage key audiences. Read more from Red Thread PR Community Impact West Shore Home has formalized a national partnership with Habitat for Humanity International, expanding a donation program that began with a single product donation from the company’s Harrisburg branch in 2024. Since December 2025, the Mechanicsburg-based home remodeling company has donated more than $247,000 in new windows, doors, and other products to Habitat for Humanity affiliates across the country. Company leaders said the initiative supports West Shore Home’s mission of strengthening communities while helping Habitat for Humanity expand access to safe, affordable housing. Read more from the Central Penn Business Journal Members 1st has awarded $57,000 in grants to 14 nonprofit organizations across Central and Northeastern Pennsylvania through their Members 1st Charitable Foundation, supporting programs focused on youth and family services, food security, housing stability, mental health, financial education and community well-being. The foundation said the funding will help local organizations address pressing community needs and strengthen the communities they serve. Grant recipients include organizations such as Lancaster Area Habitat for Humanity, York Habitat for Humanity, The Salvation Army, Lebanon, UPMC Pinnacle Foundation, and several other nonprofits working to improve quality of life throughout the region. Read more from the Central Penn Business Journal Defense & Technology Concurrent Technologies Corp. (CTC) has partnered with the Robotics Research Center at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point on a machine-learning research project focused on strengthening artificial intelligence security. The effort will develop a model-stealing detection and assessment pipeline designed to identify vulnerabilities in AI systems and help protect machine-learning models from adversarial attacks and unauthorized access. CTC said the work will support the security and reliability of AI technologies used in critical applications. Read more from Pennsylvania Business Report Data Centers & Infrastructure Alpha Compute Corp. has amended the purchase agreement governing its planned natural gas-powered data center campus in northern Pennsylvania, advancing a project tied to growing demand for artificial intelligence infrastructure. The transaction includes approximately 243 acres in Tioga County, which will serve as the primary campus site, and an additional 107-acre property in Beaver County for future development. Company officials said the revised financing structure reflects continued confidence in the project and Alpha Compute’s long-term commitment to investing in Pennsylvania’s energy and technology sectors. Read more from Pennsylvania Business Report Education Carnegie Mellon University recently highlighted its innovation ecosystem during Startup Week, a five-day event that brought together more than 3,000 founders, investors, corporate partners and researchers to explore technologies moving from university laboratories into the marketplace. Organized by CMU’s Swartz Center for Entrepreneurship, the event showcased advances in artificial intelligence, robotics, cybersecurity, health care and energy. University officials noted that CMU entrepreneurship programs have helped launch more than 400 companies and produced 67 affiliated unicorns – privately held startups valued at more than $1 billion. Read more from Pennsylvania Business Report Duquesne University officially inaugurated David Dausey as its 14th president, marking a new chapter for the Pittsburgh-based university and unveiling a vision focused on innovation, growth and long-term impact. A first-generation college student and longtime academic leader, Dausey officially assumed the presidency in July after serving as Duquesne’s provost and helping guide the university through the COVID-19 pandemic and the launch of the Duquesne University College of Osteopathic Medicine. University leaders said his experience and commitment to expanding educational opportunity position the institution for continued success in the years ahead. Read more from the Pittsburgh Business Times Banking & Technology BNY has announced $1.5 million in new research investments through its artificial intelligence partnership with Carnegie Mellon University, marking the official opening of the BNY AI Lab on CMU’s campus. The funding includes support for 10 faculty-led research projects focused on topics such as trustworthy AI, AI-assisted modernization of legacy systems, verification of AI-generated code and human oversight of AI tools. Company leaders said the collaboration will help connect academic research with real-world financial services challenges while strengthening Pittsburgh’s role as a hub for AI innovation and talent development. Read more from the Pittsburgh Business Times Technology & Innovation Astrobotic Technology was featured during Innovation Works’ annual Venture Expo, where co-founder John Thornton reflected on the Pittsburgh-based company’s journey from its founding in 2007 to its recent $300 million acquisition by Voyager Technologies. The discussion highlighted Astrobotic’s evolution into one of Pittsburgh’s most prominent space technology companies and underscored the region’s growing reputation as a hub for innovation in aerospace, robotics and advanced technology. Read more from the Pittsburgh Business Times Healthcare Several regional children’s hospitals earned national recognition in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026-27 Best Children’s Hospitals rankings. Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh were named to the publication’s Honor Roll, while WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s Hospital was recognized as the top children’s hospital in West Virginia and received national rankings in select specialties. The annual rankings recognize hospitals for excellence in pediatric care across a range of specialty areas and clinical measures. Read more from U.S. News & World Report
DEP Officials, Legislative Leader Highlight Permitting Reform Progress and Stakeholder Engagement at PA Chamber DEP Quarterly The PA Chamber welcomed employers in person and virtually last week for its fall DEP Quarterly meeting, a valuable members-only forum that brings together business leaders, policymakers, and agency officials to discuss pressing regulatory issues and policy developments impacting employers across the Commonwealth. Following opening remarks from PA Chamber Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Alex Halper and Environmental Policy Council Chair Andy Bockis, attendees heard updates from DEP leadership and a key state legislator on permitting modernization, environmental policy initiatives, and opportunities for stakeholder engagement. DEP Deputy Secretary for Field Operations John Ryder provided an update on the department’s Streamlining Permits for Economic Expansion and Development (SPEED) program, which allows applicants to utilize qualified third-party reviewers to expedite certain permit reviews. Ryder noted that DEP anticipated a higher volume of permit applications through the program and remains encouraged by its early successes. “We’re excited about our successes in getting permits through rather quickly, and we look forward to more business,” Ryder said, noting that the department has now been operating the program for more than a year. He also highlighted DEP’s ongoing modernization efforts, including improvements to data management systems and internal processes. Ryder emphasized the department’s commitment to handling projects that generate significant public interest, noting that much of that work involves effectively managing and categorizing public comments to ensure transparency and responsiveness. Senator Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York), Senate Majority Caucus Chairwoman, discussed her ongoing bipartisan work with the Shapiro Administration to advance permitting reform and improve Pennsylvania’s business climate. Phillips-Hill highlighted recent reforms that allow businesses to use approved third-party entities to accelerate the review of Chapter 102, Chapter 105, and NPDES permits, helping to reduce permitting timelines while maintaining environmental protections. She credited DEP Secretary Jessica Shirley and department leadership for their collaborative approach to reform efforts and emphasized the importance of continuing to achieve bipartisan policy victories that strengthen Pennsylvania’s economic competitiveness. The senator also encouraged attendees to communicate regularly with elected officials about permitting challenges and other regulatory concerns. “The only way we know how to fix problems is to hear directly from those experiencing them,” Phillips-Hill said. DEP Deputy Secretary for the Office of Water Programs Jill Whitcomb encouraged businesses and stakeholders to engage in an ongoing public comment period regarding draft permit requirements for small construction projects between one and five acres. Whitcomb emphasized the value of early stakeholder engagement, noting that policy development processes are most effective when impacted parties provide feedback from the beginning. She also discussed DEP’s ongoing work surrounding PFAS and biosolids management. In 2025, the department convened a broad group of stakeholders, including water and waste program leaders, Penn State researchers, and representatives from the Mid-Atlantic Biosolids Association, to better understand emerging concerns and potential policy responses. Among proposed updates, DEP is considering additional PFAS notification requirements within draft general permits. Whitcomb noted that the proposal has generated significant public interest, with more than 500 comments submitted during the public comment period. The PA Chamber’s free, members-only DEP Quarterly meetings provide an important opportunity for businesses to engage directly with key regulators and executive staff on regulatory issues, legislation, policy decisions, and department initiatives that affect day-to-day operations across Pennsylvania. The PA Chamber extends its sincere appreciation to the sponsors whose year-round support makes DEP Quarterly possible: Gold Sponsors Eckert Seamans and Bentley Systems.
ChamberPAC Announces 2026 State Legislative Endorsements ChamberPAC, the political arm of the PA Chamber, last week announced endorsements for the Pennsylvania General Assembly, supporting candidates on both sides of the aisle focused on strengthening Pennsylvania’s economy and competitiveness. “Pennsylvania has made meaningful progress when Republicans and Democrats work with the business community to advance policies that make our Commonwealth more competitive,” PA Chamber President and CEO Luke Bernstein said. “We need lawmakers in Harrisburg who will build on that progress, and we are proud to support these candidates who understand the importance of advancing pro-growth policies.” In recent years, lawmakers have worked across party lines to pass important economic reforms, including improving the business tax climate, meaningful permitting reform, and strengthening our workforce. These growth-oriented policies are helping create a stronger environment for economic development and job creation. View the full ChamberPAC slate of endorsed candidates here.