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Pennsylvania's natural gas power capacity is projected to grow at least 15% by 2030, driven largely by rising electricity demand from data centers, per a new PennEnvironment Research & Policy Center analysis of federal data.

Why it matters: Pennsylvania's data center boom is expected to drive a new wave of natural gas development, as developers required by the state to supply their own power pursue gas-fired plants — potentially locking in fossil fuel infrastructure for decades, per the report.

Zoom in: Those projections could be conservative if major proposals beyond Homer City move forward. Many of Western Pennsylvania's largest proposed data centers plan to run on natural gas, though many lack firm opening dates or aren't expected to come online until after 2030.

Homer City's planned 4.5-gigawatt gas plant, expected to be running by 2027, would power its data center campus and send surplus power to the grid, while a 2-gigawatt Shippingport campus plans to generate its own gas power on-site.

An Elizabeth Township proposal calls for up to 28 data center buildings and a 1-gigawatt gas plant, with no projected opening year yet. 

In Fayette County, a proposed 3.75-gigawatt gas plant would supply the grid and potential data center and industrial customers. It would come online in targeted phases ending in 2032. 

The 274-acre Misty Hollow data center campus in Butler County would include a 300-megawatt natural gas plant on site, with plans to double that capacity. If it moves forward, it could be operational as early as 2029.

Between the lines: The natural gas needed to power data centers and other energy-intensive facilities is already prompting more drilling in Pennsylvania — the number of new wells jumped roughly 45% from 2024 to 2025, reaching its highest level since 2022 at more than 400, per state Department of Environmental Protection data.

Zoom out: U.S. gas-fired power capacity that's planned or in development grew 50% in the first half of 2026, per Global Energy Monitor, as proposals for new power plants pile up. Still, many remain speculative.

The growing pipeline could be a boon for the gas industry, while raising concerns about carbon emissions and posing new challenges for regulators.

Nationally, planned gas projects across 32 states and Washington, D.C., would add 60.4 gigawatts of capacity by 2030 — up 44% from projections in December 2025, per the PennEnvironment report.

Pennsylvania is the second-largest producer of natural gas in the U.S. and consumes only about a quarter of the gas it produces, per the EIA.

The bottom line: Nearly 100 data center projects are proposed across Pennsylvania, but not all will be built.

With new state requirements, greater local control and growing opposition, projects face mounting hurdles.

Report: Pennsylvania gas power to grow 15% by 2030

Pennsylvania's data center boom is expected to drive a new wave of natural gas development.

Illustration of a pipeline surrounded by money elements and abstract shapes.

Pennsylvania&#x27;s natural gas power capacity is projected to grow at least 15% by 2030, driven largely by rising electricity demand from data centers, per a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="PennEnvironment Research &amp; Policy Center" data-vars-click-url="https://environmentamerica.org/center/resources/data-centers-are-driving-a-surge-in-fossil-fuel-plants/" data-vars-content-id="44d45ab6-f125-45ea-ac8e-a1d233000177" data-vars-headline="Report: Pennsylvania gas power to grow 15% by 2030" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://environmentamerica.org/center/resources/data-centers-are-driving-a-surge-in-fossil-fuel-plants/" target="_blank">PennEnvironment Research &amp; Policy Center</a> analysis of federal data.Why it matters: Pennsylvania&#x27;s data center <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="boom" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/12/03/pittsburgh-pennsylvania-gas-data-center-boom" data-vars-content-id="44d45ab6-f125-45ea-ac8e-a1d233000177" data-vars-headline="Report: Pennsylvania gas power to grow 15% by 2030" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/12/03/pittsburgh-pennsylvania-gas-data-center-boom" target="_self">boom</a> is expected to drive a new wave of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="natural gas development" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/04/16/ai-natural-gas-data-centers-pennsylvania" data-vars-content-id="44d45ab6-f125-45ea-ac8e-a1d233000177" data-vars-headline="Report: Pennsylvania gas power to grow 15% by 2030" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/04/16/ai-natural-gas-data-centers-pennsylvania" target="_self">natural gas development</a>, as developers required by the state to supply their own power pursue gas-fired plants — potentially locking in fossil fuel infrastructure for decades, per the report.

News

The dance floor is calling, but your bedtime is safe.

The big picture: Earlybirds Club, a national dance party series, is coming to Pittsburgh later this month with throwback hits, new friends and plenty of time to get your beauty sleep.

Launched in Chicago two years ago, Earlybirds Club has spread to more than 47 cities across the U.S. and Canada. 

Designed for women, trans and nonbinary people, the parties offer an earlier alternative to traditional nightlife.

Zoom in: Pittsburgh's DJ Jess will spin pop, hip-hop, new wave and dance jams from the '80s through the 2000s.

The event is geared toward people in their 30s, 40s and 50s. Sponsor Aerie will have giveaways. 

Although the party's median age is 46, it's open to people 21-plus.

10% of ticket proceeds will benefit the Susie Lee Legacy Fund, named for the Earlybirds Club's co-founder, who died of breast cancer in 2025. The fund supports nonprofits focused on women's health, cancer care, grief and caregiving.

What they're saying: Co-founder Laura Baginski tells Axios she created the event because, at 51, she missed dancing with friends but not the late-night clubbing atmosphere.

"We have three generations on the dance floor very often," Baginski says. "No one's judging your dance moves. Most of us are in a similar stage in life where you give fewer F's about most things and it really comes down to women supporting each other."

If you go: Earlybirds Club is 6–10pm Oct. 24 at Stage AE, 400 North Shore Drive.

A 6pm dance party is coming to Pittsburgh

Earlybirds Club is bringing throwback hits and an early bedtime to Stage AE.

Crowd at a party; a woman in a pink patterned dress faces away, raises a blue bubble machine and a champagne flute as pink and blue stage lights shine and bubbles fill the air.

Earlybirds Club is coming to Pittsburgh later this month. Photo: Courtesy of Earlybirds Club

The dance floor is calling, but your bedtime is safe.The big picture: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Earlybirds Club" data-vars-click-url="https://early-birds.club/" data-vars-content-id="60856cdd-1e03-48a7-ba26-cbee96b3fa7e" data-vars-headline="A 6pm dance party is coming to Pittsburgh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://early-birds.club/" target="_blank">Earlybirds Club</a>, a national dance party series, is coming to Pittsburgh later this month with throwback hits, new friends and plenty of time to get your beauty sleep.

Culture

Things to Do

The Pittsburgh Walk of Fame doubled its star power Tuesday, unveiling a second class of honorees whose bronze stars now line the Strip District Terminal.

Why it matters: From Hollywood and professional sports to art and industry, the honorees reflect Pittsburgh's outsized influence on America.

🎙️ Myron Cope: The longtime Steelers broadcaster who created the Terrible Towel in 1975.

"He received offers to broadcast and move to many other cities, but he chose to stay here in his hometown," said Elizabeth Cope, his daughter, who spoke at the ceremony. "He always said it wouldn't be as fun anywhere else; he couldn't be as passionate anywhere else. My father worked hard, played hard and had the time of his life right here in Pittsburgh."

Two people outside behind a black wire fence: a man in a dark suit with a striped tie presents a framed award featuring a blue star, while a smiling woman wearing a yellow cardigan speaks.

Oliver Tobin, an archivist, educator, and former dancer with the Martha Graham Dance Company, honors her induction into the Walk of Fame. Photo: Chrissy Suttles/Axios

💃 Martha Graham: The North Side-born dancer and choreographer who helped revolutionize modern dance. The Martha Graham Dance Company remains a leading modern dance troupe as it celebrates its centennial this year.

📸 Charles "Teenie" Harris: The Hill District photographer who documented decades of Black life in Pittsburgh. His son, Lionel Harris, spoke on his behalf and shared the launch of the Teenie Harris Foundation and efforts to save the Teenie Harris house in Homewood.

A man in a brown suit and patterned tie wearing dark sunglasses speaks into a microphone at a podium. A "Pittsburgh Walk of Fame" sign with a gold bridge emblem is visible in the background.

Charles "Teenie" Harris’ son, Lionel Harris, speaks at the Pittsburgh Walk of Fame induction ceremony on Oct. 13. Photo: Chrissy Suttles/Axios

🏈 Franco Harris: The four-time Super Bowl champion behind the Steelers' Immaculate Reception.

🥫 H.J. Heinz: The Sharpsburg-raised entrepreneur who built a global food empire known for ketchup and its 57 varieties.

🎭 Shirley Jones: The Charleroi-born, Oscar-winning actress known for "Oklahoma!" and "The Partridge Family."

🐧 Mario Lemieux: The Penguins legend who won two Stanley Cups as a player and three more as an owner. Lemieux accepted the honor in person.

"As a young French Canadian who didn't speak English, I remember Paul Steigerwald picking me up at the airport and driving through the (Fort) Pitt Tunnel," Lemieux said. "At the end of the tunnel was the city of Pittsburgh …. And that's when I fell in love with the city."

🎶 Henry Mancini: The Aliquippa-raised, four-time Oscar-winning composer behind "Moon River" and "The Pink Panther Theme."

🎬 Jimmy Stewart: The Indiana, Pa., native and Oscar-winning actor known for "It's a Wonderful Life."

🛤️ George Westinghouse: The pioneer who transformed railroad safety and electrical power systems and built his industrial empire in Pittsburgh.

Flashback: The Walk of Fame debuted in October 2025.

Its inaugural class included Fred Rogers, Roberto Clemente, Andy Warhol, Michael Keaton and Rachel Carson.

If you go: The Walk of Fame is on the sidewalk along Smallman Street at 18th and 19th streets in front of the Strip District Terminal.

Pittsburgh legends get their stars on Smallman

From the Terrible Towel to Hollywood, Pittsburgh's newest honorees left their mark on America.

A dark gray granite sign with a white bridge-arch and star logo and the words PITTSBURGH WALK OF FAME, framed by green vines and colorful mums along stone steps.

A new granite sign at the Strip District Terminal to mark the location of the Pittsburgh Walk of Fame on Smallman at 18th Street. Photo: Chrissy Suttles/Axios

The Pittsburgh Walk of Fame doubled its star power Tuesday, unveiling a second class of honorees whose bronze stars now line the Strip District Terminal.Why it matters: From Hollywood and professional sports to art and industry, the honorees reflect Pittsburgh&#x27;s outsized influence on America.

A long-vacant building in the heart of Beechview has found new life as Casa San José's $6.6 million resource center — a permanent home for services and support for Pittsburgh's Latino population.

Why it matters: The center opens as intensified immigration enforcement stokes uncertainty among immigrant families in Beechview and across the Pittsburgh region. 

Beechview is a hub for the city's Latino community.

State of play: The building, the first owned by a Latino organization in the city, will allow the group to expand and bring legal assistance, health care and other essential services under one roof after years of outgrowing rented spaces across the city.

Zoom in: The three-story, 11,000-square-foot center at 1600 Broadway Ave. will offer:

Medical services, mental health counseling and wellness programs.

Immigration legal assistance, housing, utility support and food resources.

English classes, workforce training, digital literacy and after-school programs.

Tenant rights organizing, "know your rights" workshops and rapid response to ICE activity.

Angled street view of a tan brick building with large windows and a red brick corner. A sign reads Casa San Jose and Latino Resource & Welcome Center; a crowd gathers outside with purple and gold balloons.

Casa San José’s new resource center officially opened Thursday in Beechview. Photo: Chrissy Suttles/Axios

Context: Casa San José was founded in 2013 to serve Pittsburgh's growing Latino community and now assists thousands of Pittsburgh-area residents annually.

Seven years of fundraising brought in $6.6 million for the new center, backed by city and state funding sources and community donors.

The city committed $1 million in federal COVID relief funds to improve the building after it sat vacant for nearly three decades and several efforts to restore it fell through.

Casa also purchased an adjacent lot to expand the building, with renovations adding classrooms, conference rooms, offices, an elevator and energy-efficient heating and cooling systems.

Flashback: Casa San José went remote last year for ICE-related security reasons.

What they're saying: "Even in the midst of celebration, it's important that we recognize … the backdrop of that is unprecedented attacks on our beloved communities," said U.S. Rep. Summer Lee (D-Swissvale), referring to the Trump administration's immigration crackdown.

The bottom line: "This building is more than brick and mortar; it's a dream come true," said Sharon Ross, Casa San José board chair. "This home gives us room to do more. More legal support, more health and wellness services, more education and youth services. And it tells every person who walks through this door that you belong here."

Casa San José opens $6.6M Beechview resource center

The Beechview center brings health care, immigration legal aid and other services under one roof.

Group of diverse adults and children stand outside a brick building, clapping as two women cut a pink ribbon with oversized scissors in a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Casa San José executive director Monica Ruiz and founder Sister Janice Vanderneck, joined by state and local leaders, cut the ribbon to Casa’s new resource center in Beechview. Photo: Chrissy Suttles/Axios

A long-vacant building in the heart of Beechview has found new life as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Casa San José&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://casasanjose.org/en/" data-vars-content-id="bcf05439-b3e7-40db-ad67-de605166d2ba" data-vars-headline="Casa San José opens $6.6M Beechview resource center" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://casasanjose.org/en/" target="_blank">Casa San José&#x27;s</a> $6.6 million resource center — a permanent home for services and support for Pittsburgh&#x27;s Latino population.Why it matters: The center opens as intensified <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="immigration" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/02/09/trump-immigration-shift-ice-detentions-pittsburgh" data-vars-content-id="bcf05439-b3e7-40db-ad67-de605166d2ba" data-vars-headline="Casa San José opens $6.6M Beechview resource center" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/02/09/trump-immigration-shift-ice-detentions-pittsburgh" target="_self">immigration</a> enforcement stokes uncertainty among immigrant families in Beechview and across the Pittsburgh region.

Pittsburgh has a killer claim to fame: We helped put the horror in Halloween.

Why it matters: From pioneering the modern zombie to producing generations of horror talent, Pittsburgh has a legitimate case as America's Halloween capital.

The setting helps: Victorian houses on steep hillsides, industrial ruins and fog-filled river valleys give the city a naturally eerie edge.

Context: We've dubbed Pittsburgh the most American city. Now, we're making the case that it's near the top of the nation's spookiest — think Salem, minus the Halloween headaches. 

Case in point: George Romero's low-budget 1968 classic "Night of the Living Dead," filmed primarily in Evans City, Butler County, helped create the modern flesh-eating zombie. The Museum of Modern Art called it one of the most influential horror films in half a century and credits it with reanimating the genre.

Romero's "Dawn of the Dead" turned the Monroeville Mall into a worldwide pilgrimage for zombie fans, "Martin" brought vampiric terror to Braddock, and "The Crazies" descended on Evans City and Zelienople.

"Creepshow," Romero's collaboration with Stephen King, was shot throughout Pittsburgh.

Zoom out: Western Pennsylvania's scary movie résumé stretches well beyond Romero.

Much of "The Silence of the Lambs" was filmed here, including Hannibal Lecter's jail scenes at Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall and Buffalo Bill's house in Perryopolis. Fans can now tour the house or, if you're brave, spend the night.

Generations of Pittsburghers stayed up with Bill "Chilly Billy" Cardille and "Chiller Theater," the locally produced late-night show that became a regional institution.

Bloomfield-based special effects legend Tom Savini runs a Monessen program that trains artists in prosthetics, sculpting and animatronics, with graduates going on to work on "The Walking Dead" and "American Horror Story."

Flashback: Pitt last year launched what it calls the world's first academic center dedicated to horror studies. Its collections include Romero's archives, rare books and draft scripts of "Dracula," "Jaws" and "Halloween."

A 2024 analysis of IMDb ranked Pittsburgh the top U.S. city for Halloween movies, with more than 100 filmed here.

Between the lines: Many Pittsburghers commit to the bit year-round.

Allentown has its own ecosystem of curiosities, with The Weeping Glass, Dr. Tumblety's, heavy-metal Grim Wizard Coffee and Death Comes Lifting.

Lawrenceville's Lost Lizard Video is bringing the video-rental era back from the dead, with a focus on cult horror.

Trundle Manor in Swissvale is packed with macabre artifacts and taxidermy.

Saint Anthony Chapel in Troy Hill has more than 5,000 Catholic relics, including bones and other remains associated with saints. It's one of the largest such collections outside of the Vatican.

What they're saying: More than half of our readers say they don't break out the Halloween decor until Oct. 1, but Annie Sacks, a South Side-based interior designer who creates Halloween displays for homeowners across western Pennsylvania, said clients are reaching out earlier each year — some as early as late August.

"Pittsburgh loves its Halloween," she tells Axios.

What's next: WQED's "Dead Air" is celebrating Pittsburgh's love of horror with local films, archival footage, new specials and more throughout October.

👻 Your turn: Send us spooky local stories that don't necessarily make it into the guidebooks, from haunted houses and ghost stories to strange local lore. Email pittsburgh@axios.com to share!

Why Pittsburgh is America's Halloween capital

Two skeleton yard figures on stakes in a sunny grassy field: left skeleton with a yellow hat holding a "Terrible Towel" banner; right skeleton in a Steelers jersey and helmet, raising an arm.

Blue Mist Manor in Plum. Photo: Chrissy Suttles/Axios

Pittsburgh has a killer claim to fame: We helped put the horror in Halloween.Why it matters: From pioneering the modern zombie to producing generations of horror talent, Pittsburgh has a legitimate case as America&#x27;s Halloween capital.

Chrissy Suttles

Featured stories

Casa San José opens $6.6M Beechview resource center

A 6pm dance party is coming to Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh legends get their stars on Smallman

Report: Pennsylvania gas power to grow 15% by 2030

Why Pittsburgh is America's Halloween capital