A recent luncheon hosted by the Marcellus Shale Coalition, Pennsylvania College of Technology and the Williamsport-Lycoming Chamber of Commerce highlighted “the critical role Pennsylvania’s natural gas industry plays in powering the digital economy – especially the rapid rise of artificial intelligence and data centers – and how the region can meet growing workforce and infrastructure demands,” according to a news release

“The new economy will be driven by Artificial Intelligence, and Pennsylvania’s natural gas industry stands ready to help ensure America wins the global AI race,” said Marcellus Shale Coalition president Jim Welty, according to the news release. “There’s no more readily available, cleaner, and more American resource than natural gas, and it’s natural gas that’s going to be at the forefront of the AI revolution.”

The luncheon featured a discussion on the accelerating energy needs of hyperscale data centers and AI-driven technologies, and what this means for grid reliability, permitting and infrastructure investment across northcentral and northeast Pennsylvania.

“Williamsport and the greater Lycoming County region has all the critical pieces to meet the demand, starting with natural gas, a ready workforce, abundant water, and land to build the digital infrastructure our economy depends on,” said Jason Fink, president and CEO of the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce and moderator of the luncheon, according to the news release. “Tens of billions of dollars in data center projects have already been announced for the greater region, and we believe we’re at the beginning of a new wave of growth for our economy.”

Speakers also emphasized the importance of aligning workforce development and training programs with the demands of a changing energy and technology landscape – ensuring the region is prepared to seize the economic opportunity in front of it.

“Penn College sets you up for economic success. When jobs shift, our curriculum can shift as well. It’s critical to adjust now and into the future with these opportunities,” said Dr. Bradley Webb, Dean of Engineering Technologies, Pennsylvania College of Technology.

“This event brought together the people and organizations who are shaping the future of northcentral and northeast Pennsylvania,” Welty said, according to the news release. “From energy and infrastructure to workforce and education, it’s clear that this region is uniquely positioned to help lead in this new era of digital and industrial growth – powered by clean, abundant natural gas.”