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Brown Presses DEP on Fast-Tracked Data Center Projects
Last week, I announced my support for a temporary moratorium on new data center development and introduced my “Residents First” legislative package to ensure stronger safeguards are in place as our region faces increasing large-scale proposals. After multiple public hearings and hundreds of conversations with residents, industry representatives, utility providers, and state and local officials – it is clear there are still too many unanswered questions. Concerns about water usage, utility capacity, zoning protections, and the long-term viability of this rapidly evolving technology deserve careful consideration. You can click here for more details on my Resident’s First legislative package. This week, I questioned Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary Shirley regarding the administration’s decision to fast-track several large-scale data center projects under the Pennsylvania Permit Fast Track Program. Under the Administration’s Fast Track Permitting system, eight projects have been selected for expedited review and all but two are large-scale data center sites. Among them is Project Hazelnut in Luzerne County, a proposed 1,300-acre development that could use up to 2.8 million gallons of water per day. Historically, more traditional economic development projects (even those with well-established impacts and proven community benefits) have often faced lengthy permitting delays and regulatory hurdles. During my exchange with the Secretary, I asked the administration to outline the criteria and decision-making process used to prioritize these projects for expedited review. Why are hyperscale data centers being fast-tracked, while other tried-and-true development projects continue to face substantial delays? To be clear, I support responsible economic development. However, the scale and resource intensity of these data center developments require careful scrutiny from policy makers. We must ensure that any project moving forward fully protects our residents, our natural resources, and our local infrastructure. Welcoming Dr. Merli to the Gino Merli Veterans’ Center Advisory Board
As a member of the Gino Merli Veterans’ Center Advisory Council, it was an honor to sit alongside one of our newest advisory members, Dr. Geno Merli! Dr. Merli is the son of the institution’s namesake, and he was just sworn in earlier this month. His swearing in was a bit of a full circle moment, as this session, we enacted SB 129 (Act 20 of 2025) to strengthen the Advisory Council for Pennsylvania’s six State Veterans Homes. Among other reforms, the law expands veteran and family representation. Dr. Merli is an exceptional addition to the Council, I look forward to working alongside him! Reminder: Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program Accepting Applications
Eligible Pennsylvanians can now apply for a Grow PA Scholarship Grant for the 2026-27 academic year. Applications are available at pheaa.org/growpa. This program offers grants of up to $5,000 per year for in-state students who pursue a degree or certification in an in-demand occupation and administered by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). Courses of study that qualify for the grant include agriculture, computer science, business, education, special education, STEM education, engineering, nursing, allied health, criminal justice and other programs as approved by PHEAA. The full list is available here. To qualify, applicants must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as well as agree to live and work in Pennsylvania in that occupation after graduation for 12 months for each year they received the grant. Please note: Applicants who received this grant last year MUST reapply to receive the grant again for the upcoming academic year. Scenes from the 40th District
This week’s photo is courtesy of Susan from Stroudsburg, with more winter wildlife closeups in Snydersville! These photos have been shared on my social media and posted to the 40th Senatorial District Photo Gallery. Interested in showcasing your photography skills? I am inviting residents of the 40th Senatorial District to share their photography and help capture the beauty and character of our community. Whether it’s a stunning landscape, a lively community event, or a cherished historical landmark, I encourage you to submit photos that highlight the unique aspects of our district, which includes parts of Lackawanna and Wayne counties, and all of Monroe County. Click here to submit your work and learn more. Significant Unclaimed Property Returns to PA Residents
Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced that the Pennsylvania Treasury Department returned more unclaimed property in 2025 than ever before: $334.1 million. Unclaimed property can include dormant bank accounts, abandoned stocks, uncashed checks, and more. Property is always available for the rightful owner to claim. Tangible property – often the contents of forgotten safe deposit boxes – may be auctioned after three years, but proceeds remain available to claim perpetuity. Among the reasons for the record property returns was the General Assembly’s passage of a law that allows Treasury to automatically return unclaimed property valued up to $500. In the program’s first year, nearly $50 million was returned this way. To see if any unclaimed property is available for you, visit patreasury.gov/unclaimed-property. Congratulations to the Pasqualichio Brothers
It was a pleasure to stop in briefly and congratulate the Pasqualichio brothers and their family on being honored at the 66th Annual UNICO Scranton Charity Ball in Peckville! This family has contributed greatly to the UNICO organization over the years, as these brothers continue to expand on an amazing family business legacy. Pasqualichio Brothers Inc. is located right here in Jessup, known for their high-quality meat, traditional ingredients, and exceptional community service! Shawnee Fire Company’s Awards Banquet
Last weekend, the Shawnee Fire Company celebrated 81 years of service at their Annual Service Awards Banquet! Thank you all for being the best of our communities, always being the ones running towards danger when others run away! My Chief of Staff Mackenzie attended their banquet to present awards/citations to the following members:
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