Gov. Shapiro Lays Out 4 Principles to Build Pa. AI Data Centers
Liberal Democrat Pennsylvania Governor Shapiro kicked off February by proposing a massively bloated $53.2 billion budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal year—a 5% jump from last year. He aims to fund this bloat with a mix of new revenue streams and making a $4.7 billion withdrawal from the state’s $7.6 billion Rainy Day Fund. Completely irresponsible. He wants to legalize pot smoking and tax slot-like skill games to help raise revenue. Good luck. One aspect of his budget address was noteworthy. He laid out four principles for AI data centers that want to build in the Keystone State. His four principles actually make sense. Of course, the devil will be in the details. So far, these are general guiding principles, “guardrails” if you will, with no real specifics. Read More “Gov. Shapiro Lays Out 4 Principles to Build Pa. AI Data Centers”
The Pennsylvania Senate (controlled by Republicans) recently approved Senate Bill (SB) 712, sponsored by Senators Gene Yaw and Camera Bartolotta, to streamline the plugging of abandoned and orphaned oil and gas wells. By clearly defining “reasonable effort” and “attainable bottom,” the legislation eliminates regulatory ambiguity that has previously caused costly delays and inconsistent inspections from the Department of Environmental Protection. This clarity ensures Pennsylvania can efficiently utilize nearly $400 million in federal funding to address legacy wells, many of which are located near residential areas and schools. 
Despite claims by anti-fossil fuelers that the Tenaska Westmoreland Generating Station in southwestern PA would spread disease and death if built, it’s been up and running since 2018, producing power and generating revenue for both its builders and the community. Oh, and everyone is in good health. However, the plant has been operating under a state permit since it opened. It needs a federal Title V permit for long-term operation. The state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is the agency that issues such a permit and is proposing to do so, which (of course) has antis’ knickers in a twist. In particular, antis complained that no public complaint sessions were scheduled. They got their wish yesterday. 
In January 2023, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, a leftist Democrat, floated a plan to ban natural gas hookups in every single new home and business across the “Empire” State (see 
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