2026
2026
June
Samaras talks adding data centers to the power grid
IEEE Spectrum
Scott Institute Director Costa Samaras spoke with IEEE Spectrum about connecting data centers to the power grid in light of recent directives released by the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to help accelerate the process. Samaras noted that data centers aren’t the only large, concentrated loads that the grid will have to accommodate — future electrification of industry and transportation will also bring about new demands.
Samaras provides insight into designing cities for future weather
The Wall Street Journal
Scott Institute Director Costa Samaras offers an architectural design solution to help cities adapt to climates that are increasingly warmer than those of the 1950s and 60s for which they were designed. He suggests using artificial intelligence to analyze and predict the power demands and reroute power as efficiently as possible.
Samaras, Jayan on hand as Allegheny County launches clean tech initiative
Axios
Scott Institute Director Costa Samaras and MechE’s Reeja Jayan were on hand when County Executive Sara Innamorato signed the ACT NOW Executive Order establishing a series of initiatives designed to position Allegheny County as a national leader in clean technology and advanced manufacturing. Samaras and Jayan each spoke to Axios about research and startup prospects in the region.
Samaras discusses impact of proposed federal science funding changes
Bloomberg
CEE’s Costa Samaras was featured in a Bloomberg article examining the Trump administration’s proposed changes to federal science funding. Samaras noted that research on the unequal impacts of air pollution across communities is foundational to understanding and addressing environmental challenges, and warned that restrictions on this type of work could limit critical climate and environmental research.
May
Samaras moderates National Academies webinar
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
Scott Institute Director Costa Samaras moderated a May 26 webinar hosted by The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. The event featured an interview-style discussion with Carbon Mapper's Riley Duren and set out to examine the current state of greenhouse gas data and where critical gaps persist, with particular attention to how advances in AI, data infrastructure, and remote sensing are reshaping emissions monitoring and transparency.
Samaras delivers Stanford Energy Seminar
Stanford University
On April 27, Scott Institute Director Costa Samaras delivered a Stanford Energy Seminar at the university’s Precourt Institute for Energy. The talk centered on how the US can expand its energy capacity to meet the increasing demand of data centers and how these policies can be broadened to benefit the entire electric grid.
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.