Professor Hannah Wiseman shares insights on data centers

UNIVERSITY PARK, PA—Professor Hannah Wiseman recently shared her expertise with the Penn State community regarding an issue receiving a lot of attention recently: data centers. In an extensive “Ask an expert” Q&A, she discussed issues such as why data centers use so much energy and water, how data centers affect the power bills of the communities surrounding them, and what communities located near data centers or proposed locations should know.

“As boring as it may seem, if people are concerned about rates, the most effective way to act is to pay attention to what their utility is doing and get involved at the state level,” said Wiseman. “Most states now have e-filing, so you don't have to drive to your state capitol and get involved. You can file concerns through the internet, call your state legislators directly and watch many of the hearings online.”

You can read the full Q&A by clicking here.

Professor Hannah Wiseman is a Professor of Law, Professor in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, Institute of Energy and the Environment Co-funded Faculty Member, and Co-Director of the Penn State Center for Energy Law and Policy. Professor Wiseman teaches and writes in the areas of Energy Law, Property Law, Oil and Gas Law, Land Use Regulation, and Environmental Law. Her work focuses on the mechanics and design of regulation and governance in these areas. She explores the challenges of determining appropriate governance levels and fostering effective regulation that addresses externalities while enabling societally beneficial development.