EDISON, N.J. (May 19, 2026) – As artificial intelligence continues to drive runaway demand for data centers nationwide, decision-makers delivered a clear message to a standing-room-only Alliance for Action event: Data centers should be the “next big thing” for New Jersey’s construction industry and overall economy.

“The real question is not, ‘Why would we allow a data center?’ The real question is, ‘Can New Jersey afford not to lead the nation in building them?’,” said NJ Alliance for Action President Jerry Keenan.

Speakers at the Alliance for Action’s “Data Center Construction – The Backbone of AI” event said New Jersey is uniquely positioned to serve new technology because of our workforce, location, reliable infrastructure and more.

New Jersey has a rare opportunity to position itself as a national hub for AI infrastructure, but only if it can keep pace with growing demands for power, construction capacity and skilled labor.

NVIDIA Global AI Factory Development Lead David Hillock outlined the broad scope of work that goes into building a modern AI data center and opportunities for skilled trades. He also explained how data center construction is driving economic development, technology advancement and utility infrastructure investment.

3M Major Projects & U.S. Data Center Sales Leader, Electrical Market Division – Construction & Industrial, Jim McClain said the U.S. is leading data center construction investment globally with over $700 billion projected nationwide investment in 2027.

PSE&G Vice President of Asset Management & Planning Ed Gray outlined NJ’s current power challenges and how PSE&G is combatting those issues by increasing its capability to import new power and transmit that power through infrastructure investment. He also emphasized the need for more in-state generation.

With New Jersey entering a high-stakes race to become an AI infrastructure powerhouse, NJEDA Chief Economic Transformation Officer Kathleen Coviello provided an overview of state policy to encourage development, including tax credits. She underscored the importance of NJ’s AI hub and its role in coordination with universities and growing the state’s tech workforce.

The “Grid to Ground: Building the AI Backbone in NJ” panel discussion followed the presentation portion. Industry experts across business, legal, tech, and labor sectors spoke about the growing size and scope of data centers, policy issues and potential challenges ahead, logistical needs and demand for new power generation.

The panel included:

  • Moderator: Mike McBride, Managing Partner, Connell Foley
  • Jason Friedman, Senior Representative, Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters
  • Joe Demark, President & Business Manager, Sheet Metal Workers Local 25
  • Mark Falloon, Managing Director of U.S. Construction E&C, MARSH
  • Steve Koutch, CEO of MetroTek
  • Steve Goldenberg, Chair of Giordano, Halleran & Ciesla’s Energy, Climate Change and Public Utilities Practice Group
  • Sam Peskin, Senior Vice President of Data Center Development, Russo Development

For more details on the most relevant topics facing the construction industry and opportunities to connect with the leaders driving forward major projects and investments, register for your next Alliance for Action event here .

Since 1974, The New Jersey Alliance for Action has worked as a non-partisan and non-profit association representing thousands of business, labor, government, utility, education, professional, and other New Jersey leaders. Our mission is to improve New Jersey’s economy through the promotion of environmentally friendly capital construction and infrastructure investment.