Northeast PA Will Benefit from Transco NESE Project in NYC
Williams has commenced construction of its Transco Northeast Supply Enhancement (NESE) project, extending through northeast Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York (see Groundbreaking Ceremony for NESE Pipe in NYC an All-Star Event). This infrastructure upgrade, primarily involving new pipes and enhancements to existing compressor stations on the Transco pipeline system, aims to deliver more natural gas to New York City, which faces a supply shortage. Northeast Pennsylvania is strategically positioned to supply gas to this system, making the NESE project a benefit for the region by meeting New York City’s demand for natural gas. Read More “Northeast PA Will Benefit from Transco NESE Project in NYC”
A study by the Pittsburgh Technology Council and Philadelphia Alliance for Capital and Technologies projects that Pennsylvania’s data center expansion will generate $12 billion in annual economic output and nearly 20,000 jobs by 2036. With a forecasted 4,000% increase in data center construction, the commonwealth is leveraging its status as a leading energy exporter and its $29 billion manufacturing sector to support global cloud infrastructure. By integrating robust natural gas and nuclear resources with data development, Pennsylvania is positioning itself as a leader in the AI economy. That is, IF antis don’t blow the opportunity by blocking new data centers (see 
West Virginia continues to cement its status as a national energy powerhouse, ranking as the fifth-largest natural gas producer in the U.S. and providing 10% of the country’s total natgas supply. The 2025 “Gas Facts” report (copy below) from the Gas and Oil Association of WV (GO-WV) highlights a record production of 3.27 trillion cubic feet, fueling an industry that supports 73,000 jobs and contributes $14.7 billion to the state economy. The sector generates hundreds of millions in tax revenue for schools and infrastructure, alongside $1 billion in landowner royalties. Driven by counties like Wetzel and Tyler, the state remains vital to national energy security. 
In an op-ed appearing in the Jamestown Post-Journal, New York State Senator George Borrello argues that New York’s energy crisis, marked by potential blackouts and high costs, stems from the politically motivated closure of facilities like the Dunkirk NRG plant. Initially promised a natural gas conversion, the plant was shuttered, forcing the state to import power and damaging the local economy. Borrello contends that while nuclear energy is a viable long-term goal, the state must immediately embrace natural gas to restore energy independence. He urges Governor Hochul to bypass radical interests and reopen the Dunkirk plant to provide reliable, affordable power and vital tax relief for Chautauqua County. 
JobsOhio, a private, nonprofit corporation that works on behalf of the state to drive job creation and new capital investment in Ohio by attracting business, contracts its economic research to Cleveland State University (CSU) to keep tabs on the Utica Shale industry. JobsOhio released the latest CSU updated report earlier this week (full copy below), showing that more than $114.6 billion has been invested in Ohio across natural gas, natural gas liquids, and petrochemical supply chain industries since 2011. Ohio’s shale energy sector drew approximately $3.5 billion in fresh capital between July and December 2024. 
Data centers—large facilities full of computers—have been in the news a lot over the past year. The internet and tech companies like Facebook, Google, and Amazon gave rise to data centers. But a new/renewed emphasis emerged a year ago with the unveiling of artificial intelligence (AI), which is now being used by a large portion of the population. Did you know that there are currently 4,149 active data centers in the U.S.? And that another 2,788 have been announced/planned, primarily related to AI? That’s from a fantastic new report from the American Edge Project (AEP) and the Technology Councils of North America (TECNA). Earlier this week, they released “America’s AI Surge: Powering Investment, Jobs, and Growth in Every State” (full copy below). We’ve extracted information specific to the Marcellus/Utica region from the report. 
Pennsylvania is aggressively positioning itself as a leader in the AI data center race with an ambitious $92 billion, state-level initiative (see 
Southwestern Pennsylvania faces a time-sensitive opportunity to capitalize on the AI data center boom, with small and midsized manufacturers positioned to play a key role, industry experts said at a recent conference held in Pittsburgh. The rush to build advanced facilities, which have extensive physical, energy, and technology requirements, demands speed and coordination. Panelists highlighted Pennsylvania’s abundant natural gas and diverse energy potential as critical for powering centers, while noting that regulatory frameworks, workforce capacity, and supply chain readiness are equally vital. With $92 billion in committed investment, the region could leverage this moment if policies, energy costs, and development incentives align effectively. The question is, will SWPA be able to pull it off? 
West Virginia’s oil, gas, and coal industries are experiencing a resurgence, fueled by supportive state and federal policies. Gas & Oil Association of West Virginia (GO-WV) President Charlie Burd reports that Fiscal Year FY25 severance tax collections rose to $318 million, alongside record natural gas production, 90% of which is exported out of the state. Property taxes levied on oil and gas in the state were $428 million for FY24 (the 2025 numbers are not out yet). Burd said the O&G industry continues to directly employ around 15,000 people. 
As we previously reported, a truly mind-blowing event was held in Pittsburgh last week—the Pennsylvania Energy and Innovation Summit, organized by PA Senator Dave McCormick (see 
The media fuss is hard to miss about today’s Pennsylvania Energy and Innovation Summit being held at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. PA Senator Dave McCormick organized the event. Among the attendees will be President Trump, several cabinet secretaries, and other White House officials. Much of the buzz is around $90 billion in AI and energy investments expected to be announced. In preparation for the big event, a roundtable was held yesterday at CNX headquarters in Washington County, PA, to discuss clearing away permitting obstacles and red tape to help PA realize some (if not most) of that $90 billion in investments. 
Fox Tank Company, a Texas-based provider of steel storage tanks and pressurized separation vessels for the oil and gas industry, has opened a new manufacturing facility in Coshocton County, OH, at the former site of Crozier Welding. Fox has pledged to invest $7.9 million and create 89 new jobs at the facility. Fox chose the site due to its proximity to the growing Marcellus and Utica Shale drilling for oil and gas, as well as its proximity to the company’s existing customers.