New Horizons Conference Explores Challenges, Opportunities in Region

An overflow audience engaged in in-depth discussion about the Pittsburgh region’s growth, strategies for continuing to attract new businesses, and the challenges and opportunities that data center development presents at the Oct. 20 “New Horizons” conference presented by the W&J Center for Energy and the Built Environment.

Experts in economic development, construction, real estate, energy and law talked about how the development of data center projects is being accomplished, how the region’s energy needs for residential service and large load customers can be met, and what the public’s perception of data projects means.

Keynote speaker Christina Cassotis, CEO of the Allegheny County Airport Authority, shared the vision that brought the newly built Pittsburgh International Airport to completion, and spoke about how forward-thinking infrastructure, including transportation, is vital in attracting businesses to the region.

CEBE Director Corey Young also presented an overview of a recently conducted state and national survey of data center and AI attitudes that found about half of Pennsylvanians oppose local data center development and about two-thirds want more state and local regulation.