Philadelphia, April 13, 2021 – The Senate Community, Economic and Recreational Development Committee is convening for two days of hearings in Southeastern Pennsylvania on the economic impact of the technology and energy infrastructure industries in Pennsylvania.
The committee is hosting a hearing and a tour on April 13 at the vXchnge Data Center in Philadelphia on technology infrastructure and a hearing on Pennsylvania’s energy infrastructure at Veritas Medical Solutions, which is in Senator Bob Mensch’s district, on April 14. Prior to the hearing on April 14, the committee will be touring the Philadelphia Steamfitters Local Union 420.
The April 13 hearing will feature the following panelists who are affiliated with the data center industry:
- Steve Weaver, vXchnge, Senior Vice president of Sales
- Mike Grigalonis, President of the PA Economic Development Association
- William Lowry, Managing Director, Exelon Utilities Strategy
- Steve DelBianco and the Honorable Barbara Comstock, NetChoice
- Bob Cresswell, Hartzel & Buehler, Inc
The April 14 hearing will feature the following panelists who are affiliated with the petrochemical industry:
- Hilary Mercer, Vice President, PA Chemicals Project and Shell Polymers
- Joseph McGinn, Energy Transfer, Vice President of Public Affairs
- Chris Ruggiero, Vice President & General Counsel, Monroe Energy
- Jim Snell, Business Manager, Steamfitters Local Union 420
- Ryan Boyer, Business Manager, Laborers’ District Council of the Metropolitan Area of Philadelphia and Vicinity
- Jim Gaffney, Goshen Mechanical
Senator John Yudichak, Chair, Senate Community, Economic and Recreational Development Committee
“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 Senator 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.”
Jim Snell, Business Manager for the Steamfitters Local Union 420, Philadelphia
“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. The members of Steamfitters Local 420 respect Senator Yudichak’s leadership on assessing Pennsylvania’s energy infrastructure and look forward to participating in this important discussion.”
Senator Bob Mensch. 24th Senatorial District
“The last year has been very difficult in terms of our economy and jobs. To get back on track, it’s important to focus on how technology and infrastructure can positively impact our economy in significant ways. I look forward to continuing to work together with my fellow legislators and businesses across the Commonwealth to find ways to improve our technology and energy infrastructure.”
The hearings are being streamed live beginning at 1 p.m. both days on the committee’s webpage and video will also be available on the site after the hearings are finished.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Scot Pitzer – spitzer@pasen.gov
Carly Simpson: csimpson@pasen.gov