Friday, October 16, 2026

DEP Invites Comments On Renewal Of State Air Quality Permit For The Oxbow Creek Energy Natural Gas Power Plant In Wyoming County

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the October 17 PA Bulletin inviting comments on the renewal of the State Only Air Quality Permit for the Oxbow Creek Energy, LLC 23MW natural gas power plant in Nicholson Township, Wyoming County.  (
PA Bulletin, page 6811)

No hearing has been scheduled, but one may be requested.

Comments are due November 16-- 30 days from this notice.

Comments and requests for a hearing should be sent to DEP Northeast Region Air Quality Program, 2 Public Square, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701.

Requests to review the application and related documents at the DEP Northeast Regional Office should be made to Norman Frederick, Facilities Permitting Chief, by calling 570-824-2609. His email is nfrederick@pa.gov. 

Read the entire PA Bulletin notice for more information. (PA Bulletin, page 6811)

For more information on environmental programs in Pennsylvania, visit DEP’s website.  Submit Environmental Complaints; Click Here to sign up for DEP’s newsletter; sign up for DEP’s eNotice; Like DEP on Facebook, Follow DEP on Twitter and visit DEP’s YouTube Channel.

[Posted: October 16, 2026] PA Environment Digest

DEP Invites Comments On Renewal Of Title V Air Permit For The Inter Power Ahlcon Partners Coal Waste-Fired Power Plant In Cambria County

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the October 17 PA Bulletin inviting comments on the renewal of a Title V Air Quality Permit for the Inter Power Ahlcon Partners, LP  1,214 MW coal waste-fired power plant in Cambria Township, Cambria County.  (
PA Bulletin, page 6811)

No hearing has been scheduled, but one may be requested.

Comments are due November 16-- 30 days from this notice.

Comments and requests for a hearing should be sent to the DEP Southwest Region Air Quality Program, 400 Riverfront Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 or Thomas Joseph, P.E., Environmental Engineering Manager, by email to: tjoseph@pa.gov. 

The application, DEP’s Review Memorandum, and the proposed permit are available for public review during normal business hours at DEP’s Southwest Regional Office.

Requests to review these documents can be made online or by contacting Thomas Joseph by email to: tjoseph@pa.gov or by calling 412-442-4336.

Read the entire PA Bulletin notice for more information. (PA Bulletin, page 6811)

For more information on environmental programs in Pennsylvania, visit DEP’s website.  Submit Environmental Complaints; Click Here to sign up for DEP’s newsletter; sign up for DEP’s eNotice; Like DEP on Facebook, Follow DEP on Twitter and visit DEP’s YouTube Channel.

[Posted: October 16, 2026] PA Environment Digest

DEP Invites Comments On Individual Stormwater Permit For The CDE Acquisitions LLC Project Atlas A.I. Data Center Complex In Lehigh County

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the October 17 PA Bulletin inviting comments on an Individual Stormwater Permit for the
CDE Acquisitions LLC  Project Atlas A.I. Data Center Complex in South Whitehall Township, Lehigh County.  (PA Bulletin, page 6795)

The project involves the development of 415.84 acres for a data center complex and associated access roads, utilities, stormwater infrastructure, and security infrastructure that will impact Coplay Creek.

No hearing has been scheduled, but one may be requested.

Comments are due by November 16-- 30 days from this notice.

Comments and requests for a hearing should be sent to the DEP Northeast Regional Office, 2 Public Square, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701 or by email to: RA-EPWW-NERO@pa.gov. 

Requests to review the application should be made to the File Review Coordinator at 570-826-5472.

Read the entire PA Bulletin notice for more information. (PA Bulletin, page 6795)

Nov. 23 Hearing On Chapter 105 Permit

DEP also published notice in the October 17 PA Bulletin announcing a November 23 public meeting/hearing on the Chapter 105 permit application for the CDE Acquisitions LLC Project Atlas A.I. data Center Campus in South Whitehall Township, Lehigh County. (PA Bulletin, page 6840)

DEP will hold a two-part event: a public meeting to answer questions on the overall project; and a public hearing to accept additional comments on the documentation and plans associated with Project Atlas.

The meeting/hearing will be held at Cedar Crest College, 100 College Drive in Allentown.  Read more here.

For more information on environmental programs in Pennsylvania, visit DEP’s website.  Submit Environmental Complaints; Click Here to sign up for DEP’s newsletter; sign up for DEP’s eNotice; Like DEP on Facebook, Follow DEP on Twitter and visit DEP’s YouTube Channel.

Related Articles This Week:

-- PUC Invites Comments On Regulations To Give Electric Utilities New Tools To Manage Data Centers During Emergency Periods Of Strained Electricity Supplies And Curtailments To Maintain Grid Reliability  [PaEN] 

-- Gov. Shapiro Files Petition To Intervene In PPL Electric Rate Case To Protect Customers From Costs And Reliability Risks From A.I. Data Centers  [PaEN]   

-- DEP To Hold Public Meeting/Hearing Nov. 23 On Chapter 105 Permit For Project Atlas A.I. Data Center Complex In Lehigh County  [PaEN] 

-- DEP Sets Nov. 20 Hearing On Stormwater Permit For PPL Stanton Summit Transmission Line Rebuild In Lackawanna County   [PaEN] 

-- PJM Extends Maximum Generation Alert To Oct. 14 Due To Unusually Warm Weather, Equipment Outages; Calls On Demand Response To Reduce Power Load  [PaEN]

-- PA Capital-Star: PJM Interconnection Issues Alerts Warning Of Tight Electricity Supplies

-- PJM Issues Maximum Generation Alert For Oct. 13 Due To Unusually Warm Weather, Equipment Outages; Received DOE Order To Switch Data Centers To Backup Generation, If Needed  [PaEN] 

NewsClips:

-- Altoona Mirror - Robert Swift: PUC/Team PA Report Identifies 21 Possible Sites For A.I. Data Center Power Plants 

-- PA Capital-Star: PUC/Team PA Study Identifies 21 Potential Sites For A.I. Data Center Power Plants

-- Axios-Pittsburgh: Report: Pennsylvania Natural Gas Power Generation To Grow 15% By 2030 Due To A.I. Data Center Demand

-- Utility Dive: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Rejects Most Of PJM’s ‘Bring Your Own Power’ Data Center Load Plan Saying It Intrudes On State Jurisdiction, May Be Discriminatory  [FERC Rejected PJM’s Backstop Energy Plan Earlier] 

-- Utility Dive: PJM Plans To Study Ohio ‘Flagship’ A.I. Data Center, 10.2 GW Natural Gas Power Plant, Transmission Line Project On Federal Land Under A State Agreement Process

-- PennLive/LehighValleyLive: A.I. Data Centers Have A Shelf Life, Who Pays For Cleanup In PA When They Close Years From Now?

-- Wall Street Journal: ‘Phantom’ A.I. Data Centers Are Demanding More From The Power Grid Than They Need Leading To Higher Electricity Rates 

-- AP: US Is Reviving Shuttered Nuclear Power Plants To Meet Growing A.I. .Data Center Electricity Demand  [Includes Three Mile Island] 

[Posted: October 16, 2026] PA Environment Digest

Susquehanna River Basin Commission To Hold Oct. 28 Hearing On Proposed Fee Increase, Records Policy And Water Withdrawal Requests, Including One For Shale Gas Development

The
Susquehanna River Basin Commission published notice in the October 17 PA Bulletin announcing an October 28 hearing on changes to its access tor records policy, an increase in fees for next year and water withdrawal requisitions, including one for shale gas development. 

The hearing will be held at the Commission offices at 4423 North Front Street in Harrisburg starting at 5:00 p.m.  Individuals may also join the hearing by telephone (877) 304-9269, passcode 2619070#.

The projects and actions that are the subject of the hearing are intended to be scheduled for Commission action at its next business meeting, scheduled for December 10, 2026, 

The proposed shale gas development withdrawal on the agenda is--

-- Project Sponsor and Facility: Expand Operating, LLC (Susquehanna River), Terry Township, Bradford County, PA. Application for surface water withdrawal of up to 3.000 mgd (peak day). Read more here.

Click Here for more information on the October 28 hearing.

For more information on programs, training opportunities and upcoming events, visit the Susquehanna River Basin Commission website.  Click Here to sign up for SRBC’s newsletter.   Follow SRBC on Twitter, visit them on YouTube.

[Posted: October 16, 2026]  PA Environment Digest

PUC Schedules Nov. 17, 18 Hearings On Acquisition Of UGI - Electric By Argo Infrastructure Partners

On October 16, the
Public Utility Commission announced it will hold four public input hearings on November 17 - 18 to gather public comment on the joint application of UGI Utilities Inc. (UGI) and Argo Infrastructure Partners LLC (Argo) to transfer UGI’s electric utility operations to Argo.

On June 24, 2026, UGI and Argo filed a joint application with the Commission seeking the appropriate approvals to allow UGI to transfer its electric utility operations to an Argo-controlled entity as well as to cease and abandon the ownership and operation of its utility assets and retail electric service in Pennsylvania.

UGI’s Electric Division currently serves more than 63,000 electric customers in northeastern Pennsylvania – with a service area anchored by roughly 2,700 miles of transmission and distribution lines and 14 substations located in Luzerne and Wyoming counties.

Argo, a Delaware limited liability company, is an independent infrastructure investment management firm with a history of acquiring and managing many utility businesses, including other Pennsylvania companies such as Pike County Light & Power, Leatherstocking Gas Company, DQE Holdings (the parent of Duquesne Light Company), and Corning Energy Corp.

In-Person Public Input Hearings

Two in-person public input hearings will be held at the following location and times:

-- Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2026 – Luzerne County

Hearing #1 will begin at 1 p.m.

Hearing #2 will begin at 6 p.m.

Sydney and Pauline Friedman Community Center

613 S J Strauss Lane

Kingston, PA  18704

Telephonic/Virtual Public Input Hearings

Two telephonic/virtual public input hearings have been scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2026 – with the first hearing beginning at 1 p.m. and the second hearing beginning at 6 p.m. 

To join the hearing by telephone:

-- Dial one of the two phone numbers listed below. Long distance charges may apply, depending on your phone carrier.

-- As prompted, enter the Conference ID listed below, and then press pound “#”.

-- Phone numbers:

+1 267-332-8737 (for Philadelphia and surrounding areas)

+1 412-912-1524 (for Pittsburgh and surrounding areas)

-- Conference ID: 443 859 499#

To join the hearing virtually (with video):

-- If you pre-register and provide your email address, we will email you a Microsoft Teams Meeting Link.

-- At least 10 minutes before the hearing, click on the Microsoft Teams Meeting Link to join the hearing.

-- If you want to appear on camera, turn on video. Appearing by video is not required.

NOTE: Pre-registration for the telephonic/virtual hearings is encouraged if you wish to testify.

PUC Administrative Law Judge F. Joseph Brady will preside over the hearings.

Pre-Registration for the Telephonic/Virtual Public Input Hearings

To pre-register, contact the Administrative Law Judge’s legal assistant, Pamela McNeal, at 215-560-4228 or by email at pmcneal@pa.gov,  no later than 10 a.m. on the day of the hearing at which you plan to testify and provide the following information:

-- Your first and last name.

-- The date and time of the hearing(s) you want to join.

-- Your phone number.

-- Your email address, if you want to join the hearing virtually (with video). We will email you a Microsoft Teams Meeting Link.

Assistance with Pre-Registration

If you need assistance pre-registering to testify, you may have someone register for you, but they will need to provide all the information listed above.  

Additionally, if more than one person in your household would like to testify, one person may pre-register for other individuals in the same household, but we will need the information for each individual.

Requests for Interpreters

If you require an interpreter, please pre-register as soon as possible. If you register too close to the hearing date, we may not have enough time to arrange for an interpreter. If you request an interpreter, the Commission will make reasonable efforts to have one present.

Individuals requiring an interpreter to participate in a hearing may call the scheduling office at least five (5) business days prior to their hearing and submit their request:

Scheduling Office: 717.787.1399

TTY-based Telecommunications Relay Service number for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability is: 711

Hearing Exhibits

If you will refer to any documents during your testimony, please email a copy to the legal assistant at pmcneal@pa.gov.   

The presiding officer will forward your exhibits to all the parties. Exhibits for the public input hearing must be received by 10 a.m. on the day of the hearing at which you plan to testify.

Questions

Pennsylvania’s Office of Consumer Advocate (OCA) represents the interests of utility customers before the PUC. 

 If you have questions, or need assistance with pre-registration for the public input hearings, please contact the OCA toll free on 800-684-6560 or by email at consumer@paoca.org.  

If you are a small business, you may also contact the Pennsylvania Office of Small Business Advocate at 717-783-2525 or osba@pa.gov. 

Other Ways to be Heard

If you want to be heard by the Commission but do not want to testify or cannot attend a public input hearing, you may file a formal complaint or protest or comment. Please visit the PUC’s website to use the applicable form available online.

Documents related to this case are available at: Docket No. A-2026-3063610; Docket No: A-2026-3063612; Docket No. A-2026-3063614.

Click Here for the PUC announcement.

Related Articles This Week:

-- PUC Invites Comments On Regulations To Give Electric Utilities New Tools To Manage Data Centers During Emergency Periods Of Strained Electricity Supplies And Curtailments To Maintain Grid Reliability  [PaEN] 

-- Gov. Shapiro Files Petition To Intervene In PPL Electric Rate Case To Protect Customers From Costs And Reliability Risks From A.I. Data Centers  [PaEN]   

-- DEP To Hold Public Meeting/Hearing Nov. 23 On Chapter 105 Permit For Project Atlas A.I. Data Center Complex In Lehigh County  [PaEN] 

-- DEP Sets Nov. 20 Hearing On Stormwater Permit For PPL Stanton Summit Transmission Line Rebuild In Lackawanna County   [PaEN] 

-- PJM Extends Maximum Generation Alert To Oct. 14 Due To Unusually Warm Weather, Equipment Outages; Calls On Demand Response To Reduce Power Load  [PaEN]

-- PA Capital-Star: PJM Interconnection Issues Alerts Warning Of Tight Electricity Supplies

-- PJM Issues Maximum Generation Alert For Oct. 13 Due To Unusually Warm Weather, Equipment Outages; Received DOE Order To Switch Data Centers To Backup Generation, If Needed  [PaEN] 

NewsClips:

-- Altoona Mirror - Robert Swift: PUC/Team PA Report Identifies 21 Possible Sites For A.I. Data Center Power Plants 

-- PA Capital-Star: PUC/Team PA Study Identifies 21 Potential Sites For A.I. Data Center Power Plants

-- Axios-Pittsburgh: Report: Pennsylvania Natural Gas Power Generation To Grow 15% By 2030 Due To A.I. Data Center Demand

-- Utility Dive: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Rejects Most Of PJM’s ‘Bring Your Own Power’ Data Center Load Plan Saying It Intrudes On State Jurisdiction, May Be Discriminatory  [FERC Rejected PJM’s Backstop Energy Plan Earlier] 

-- Utility Dive: PJM Plans To Study Ohio ‘Flagship’ A.I. Data Center, 10.2 GW Natural Gas Power Plant, Transmission Line Project On Federal Land Under A State Agreement Process

-- PennLive/LehighValleyLive: A.I. Data Centers Have A Shelf Life, Who Pays For Cleanup In PA When They Close Years From Now?

-- Wall Street Journal: ‘Phantom’ A.I. Data Centers Are Demanding More From The Power Grid Than They Need Leading To Higher Electricity Rates 

-- AP: US Is Reviving Shuttered Nuclear Power Plants To Meet Growing A.I. .Data Center Electricity Demand  [Includes Three Mile Island] 

[Posted: October 16, 2026] PA Environment Digest

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