There’s always infrastructure stories in the most densely-populated region of the country. Here’s what happened…
Hudson Tunnel Project reaches major boring milestone
The Gateway Program’s Hudson Tunnel Project has begun its most visible phase yet: tunnel boring beneath the Palisades. The first of two massive tunnel‑boring machines is now advancing roughly 30 feet per day, carving the initial 5,100‑foot segment toward the Hudson County Access Shaft. A second machine will follow shortly, with additional TBMs later deployed to excavate the section beneath the Hudson River. Officials say the new tunnel—expected to open in 2035—will double rail capacity, reduce delays, and generate tens of thousands of jobs.
Read more: https://tristateinfrastructurenews.com/can-you-dig-it-hudson-tunnel-reaches-boring-milestone/
AI data centers reshape northeastern Pennsylvania’s workforce
AI‑driven data‑center development is transforming job prospects in northeastern Pennsylvania, reviving former industrial sites and creating new high‑skill opportunities. While developers tout thousands of potential jobs, experts warn that workforce gaps—especially in skilled trades—could limit the region’s ability to fully benefit. Local leaders emphasize the need for training programs, community engagement, and careful planning to ensure the economic gains are widely shared.
Read more: https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2026/09/ais-data-centers-are-rebuilding-careers-in-northeastern-pennsylvania-opinion.html
Pallone Urges FERC to Strengthen Oversite of PJM on Data Centers
New Jersey Congressman Frank Pallone has asked the Federal Energy Commission (FERC) to use its authority with grid operator PJM’s proposals on handling data centers. Pallone who serves as the Ranking Member of the Energy and Commerce Committee wrote to FERC Chairman Laura Swett regarding PJM’s proposed framework to connect data centers and urged FERC to use its authority to help protect customers. PJM has proposed requiring data centers to pay for new power plants to bring their own generating capacity on-line. Data centers have become a focus point in mid-term elections. Pallone has been outspoken on the need to have federal guardrails in place.
PJM Delays Auction Following FERC Decision
Grid operator PJM decided to delay its planned backstop procurement auction for data centers after the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) decided to approve it only partially. FERC said parts of PJM’s plans were unjust and unreasonable, and it was filed late and did not give the agency enough time to offer corrections. PJM was going to accept offers for backstop procurement from the end of September through October 21 and select offers from October 22 through December 2, announcing them before holding its standard capacity auction.
Read more: www.utilitydive.com/news/pjm-delays-backstop-procurement-ferc-data-center
Electric school buses expand across New York
New York districts are accelerating the shift to electric school buses, though progress remains uneven. The state currently operates 559 electric buses out of roughly 45,000, and recent policy changes have extended the deadline for full fleet conversion to 2040. Districts adopting early models report significantly lower fuel costs and smoother operations, but the scale of statewide transition remains daunting, requiring more than 3,000 conversions per year to meet the mandate.
Read more: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/23/nyregion/electric-school-buses.html
Hurricane season remains unusually quiet
This year’s Atlantic hurricane season has been notably subdued, with forecasters observing fewer named storms and lower overall activity than average. Experts attribute the slowdown to emerging El Niño conditions, which typically suppress storm formation, though warmer ocean temperatures complicate predictions. Meteorologists caution that even in below‑normal seasons, a single storm can still cause major damage, urging coastal residents to maintain preparedness.
Europe faces intensifying climate extremes
Record‑breaking heat continues to sweep across Europe, with France and the UK experiencing their hottest temperatures ever recorded for June. Meteorologists warn that extreme heat events once considered rare are becoming the “new normal,” driven by rapid climate change. The heatwave has triggered wildfires, evacuations, and widespread disruptions across multiple countries, underscoring the growing urgency of climate adaptation.
Read more: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crq5x16w09z3o
