2026
2026
April
Qian featured on NFL Draft traffic
CMU News
CEE’s Sean Qian comments on the issues Pittsburgh’s infrastructure, especially bridges and tunnels, could face due to the massive influx of people coming for the NFL draft. He also proposes possible solutions, which include recommending that travelers shift their peak travel times and prioritize public transit, biking, or walking over private vehicles and ridesharing apps.
Samaras weighs In on Maine’s proposed data center ban
Maine Morning Start
Costa Samaras, Director of the CMU Scott Institute for Energy Innovation and Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, spoke with the Maine Morning Star about the potential impact of Maine’s proposed bill to ban data centers larger than 20 megawatts through November 2027. The legislation has passed both the state's Senate and House of Representatives and now awaits the governor’s decision, potentially making it the first statewide data center moratorium in the U.S.
Nock on Resources Radio podcast
Resources Radio podcast
CEE and EPP’s Destenie Nock discusses measures utilities and policymakers can take to better capture energy-accessibility and affordability metrics.
March
Data Analytics Center supports traffic incident management modernization project
The Daily Courier
CEE’s Sean Qian and CMU researchers partner with Westmoreland County to develop an AI-enabled system to protect first responders and reduce fatalities on PA roads.
Samaras comments on new AI data centers in Alabama
WBRC News
Scott Institute Director Costa Samaras offers his input on Alabama building new data centers to fuel the rise in AI. He notes that with the appropriate protective measures, these data centers can offer multiple opportunities and benefits for the community.
January
Samaras and Rounce give insight on managing Pittsburgh's extreme weather
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Scott Institute Director Costa Samaras and CEE’s David Rounce discuss how severe weather patterns in Pittsburgh require immediate action to protect local communities. Rounce warns that the city’s century-old pipe system is unequipped for the modern “extreme precipitation” events. As new plans are being developed, Samaras emphasizes that “people are looking to Pittsburgh for leadership.”
Samaras talks data centers and energy use
WUWM 89.7
Scott Institute Director Costa Samaras spoke with WUWM 89.7—Milwaukee’s NPR—to unpack all things data centers, including what they do, how they consume energy, where the hubs are, and how they might evolve. “As the dramatic increase of computing has grown, it has required the construction of new data centers. Data centers are the main energy story that's happening right now. That's because computers use electricity and data centers are full of computers,” Samaras told the outlet.