Amazon has announced a groundbreaking $20 billion investment in rural Pennsylvania aimed at building artificial intelligence data centers. This investment marks the largest corporate financial commitment in the state’s history, according to Amazon’s Vice President of Public Policy, Shannon Kellogg. The data centers will be located in Salem Township and Falls Township in the Berwick area, with plans for multiple facilities at these sites.
Kellogg emphasized the positive impact of the investment on local communities, stating, “We have just a huge turnout here locally as we’re about to make this announcement… we really integrate ourselves into the communities where we invest.” He highlighted the job creation that would accompany the development, which he sees as mutually beneficial for both Amazon and the community. Coordination with the Trump administration has been pivotal for Amazon’s investment strategy.
Kellogg noted their cooperation in understanding policies aimed at boosting data center investments across the U.S., particularly in streamlining permitting processes. He emphasized the critical need for energy resources to support the infrastructure build-out, mentioning that the administration is focused on enhancing power generation and transmission nationwide. The timing of this “record-breaking announcement” is significant amid the increasing global competition in artificial intelligence leadership, Kellogg noted.
He stressed that for the U.S. to maintain its edge in AI, robust data center infrastructure—including energy and computing power—is essential. Additionally, Amazon is investing $250,000 in a community fund to support local nonprofits and workforce development programs through partnerships with community colleges. As tech companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Nvidia expand, they face concerns from some cities over potential economic implications, including tax breaks and environmental impacts.
Nonetheless, Kellogg reassured that Amazon is committed to sustainable operations and community engagement, pledging to meet water-positive goals in all locations by 2030.
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