Focus on Data Centers: Barger, Verobish Tackle Tough Issues at Joint Event

September 24, 2026

ALTOONA – Reps. Scott Barger (R-Blair/Huntingdon) and Andrea Verobish (R-Blair) today hosted an informational meeting about the anticipated proliferation of data centers across the United States, with a particular focus on how large-scale installations will impact the 13-state power grid that includes Pennsylvania.

Barger and Verobish addressed 200 constituents at the Blair County Convention Center, where they acknowledged concerns they’ve heard about environmental permitting, power and water usage, and the local controls established in statewide zoning laws.

Both representatives support the Ratepayer Protection Act – initiatives at both the state and federal level to ensure developers bring their own sources of new electric generation and meet other benchmarks.

“Sometimes it feels as if data center planning is outpacing sources of reliable information about the centers themselves. I’m thankful we could hold this meeting to share vetted, trustworthy information with our friends and neighbors,” Barger said.

“This next wave of development will require an all-hands-on-deck approach to ensure it is done responsibly,” Verobish said. “State lawmakers like us play a role, as do our partners in the federal government and local municipalities. Innovation and foresight are needed now more than ever.”

Residents wishing to contact the representatives can visit RepBarger.com/contact or RepVerobish.com/contact.

Representative Scott Barger
80th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Jennifer Fitch
717-260-6563
jfitch@pahousegop.com
RepBarger.com / facebook.com/RepBarger

Representative Andrea Verobish
79th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Lindsey Cook
717-772-9833
lcook@pahousegop.com
RepVerobish.com / facebook.com/RepVerobish