Amazon announced a record-breaking $20 billion investment to develop artificial intelligence data centers in Pennsylvania, with two massive campuses planned for Salem Township near the Susquehanna nuclear power plant and Falls Township’s Keystone Trade Center. According to the Associated Press, one of the facilities will draw power directly from the Susquehanna nuclear station through a “behind the meter” arrangement, which has raised federal regulatory questions. The other complex, to be built on the site of a former steel mill, will connect to the broader electricity grid.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro hailed the initiative as the largest private investment in the state’s history, emphasizing the economic ripple effects through job creation, workforce development, and property tax revenue. Speaking at a press conference in Berwick, he highlighted the expected benefits for local communities, including increased opportunities for construction workers and tech professionals. Amazon will also be eligible for Pennsylvania’s sales tax exemption on data center equipment, and the state will contribute $10 million toward training programs in schools and union halls.
Shannon Kellogg, Amazon’s Vice President of Public Policy, told Fox Business that the project reflects the company’s broader strategy to lead in global AI infrastructure, stressing Pennsylvania’s unique mix of power availability, land, and talent as decisive factors. He acknowledged ongoing cooperation with the Trump administration, particularly in streamlining permits and boosting power generation and transmission to meet the demands of large-scale data infrastructure.
As part of its community integration efforts, Amazon is launching a $250,000 local nonprofit fund and pledging investments in sustainable infrastructure, including water system upgrades. While supporters point to the influx of tech and construction jobs, critics have voiced concerns about environmental impact, tax incentives, and whether long-term community benefits will materialize. Nonetheless, Pennsylvania now joins a list of states, including North Carolina, Ohio, and Indiana, receiving multibillion-dollar investments from Amazon as Big Tech races to meet soaring demand for AI and cloud computing capacity.
