Sen. John Yudichak (I-District 14), chair of the Senate Community, Economic and Recreational Development Committee, led two days of hearings on April 13 and 14 to discuss the economic impact of the technology and energy infrastructure industries in Pennsylvania.
“As we work to recover from the pandemic, it is an important time to talk about our economy, and the reliability of two of the essential building blocks of the 21st century digital economy – technology and energy,” said Yudichak, chair of the Senate Community, Economic and Recreational Development Committee. “Pennsylvania has the natural resources and the skilled workforce to compete with any state or nation in the world, but we have to advance innovative business tax policies that help set the stage for private investment and the growth of high-wage jobs in the technology and energy sectors.”
On April 13, the committee hosted a hearing and a tour at the vXchnge Data Center in Philadelphia on technology infrastructure and the data center industry. On April 14, a hearing on the state’s energy infrastructure was held at Veritas Medical Solutions, located within Sen. Bob Mensch’s (R-District 147) district. Panelists featured several members affiliated with the petrochemical industry, including Shell Polymers, Energy Transfer, and Monroe Energy.
“The last year has been very difficult in terms of our economy and jobs,” Mensch said. “To get back on track, it’s important to focus on how technology and infrastructure can positively impact our economy in significant ways.”
Prior to the hearing on April 14, the committee toured the Philadelphia Steamfitters Local Union 420.
“A necessary shift is taking place in the way we power our nation. We understand the urgent need to protect our environment and address climate change, but we also need to protect our manufacturing and related industries — and the good-paying jobs they provide. The transition won’t happen overnight,” said Jim Snell, Business Manager of Steamfitters Local Union 420. “There is still a tremendous need for the traditional energy sources that power our everyday lives and provide the materials needed to create the products we rely on daily. Petrochemicals are still used in a wide array of household products. Moreover, American energy and the many products it creates have never been more critical, as we continue to confront the global health-care crisis caused by this pandemic.”