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Pennsylvania Chamber Chief Defends Data Centers as Growth Engine Amid Backlash

September 9, 2026 at 10:49 EDT

Infra & Chips
Sales & Business
Policy & Regulation

Pennsylvania Chamber President and CEO Luke Bernstein defended data centers as central to Pennsylvania's economic future during an Axios Live discussion on Sept. 9, as communities and politicians increasingly challenge the facilities' demands on power, water and local infrastructure. The conversation placed the state's investment push inside a broader U.S. fight over who pays for the physical systems that support artificial intelligence and cloud services.

SEPTEMBER 9, 2026 · PENNSYLVANIA

Data centers sit at the center of Pennsylvania's growth debate

Luke Bernstein argues that the buildout is central to economic growth, while opponents focus on power, water and community costs.

The case in four numbers

$14.4B

Pennsylvania economic impact in 2023

$21.2B

Impact including spillover effects

70%+

Americans opposing a local center

4.4% → ~12%

U.S. electricity share, 2023 to 2030 forecast

Direct impact and spillovers

The chamber's estimate grows when economic activity beyond the facilities is included.

$14.4B

Direct impact

$21.2B

With spillovers

The growth case

Investment can support construction, technical training and supply-chain work.

A larger tax base can support local public services.

The critical case

Critics question how many durable jobs projects create after construction ends.

Power, water, noise and infrastructure costs remain local pressure points.

The policy test is infrastructure

The debate now centers on whether projects can deliver investment while addressing the physical and community costs of expansion.

PowerGrid demand and bills

WaterCooling and watersheds

Local valueJobs and tax base

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