2026 Villanova Environmental Law Journal Blank Rome LLP Symposium, 02/13
“Powering the Future: Navigating the Environmental and Energy Impacts of Data Centers”
Friday, February 13
9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Laurence E. Hirsch ’71 Classroom (Room 101)
John F. Scarpa Hall
The rapid growth of data centers and their substantial energy demands are transforming the landscape of energy infrastructure development. As the digital economy expands, data centers require increasingly large amounts of electricity and water, raising complex legal, technical and environmental questions. At the same time, nuclear power is emerging as an energy source potentially capable of meeting these demands while reducing carbon emissions, but it brings its own regulatory, safety and sustainability challenges.
The 2026 Villanova Environmental Law Journal Blank Rome LLP Symposium will explore the environmental and regulatory challenges associated with powering data centers and the role of nuclear energy in supporting these facilities. Panels will bring together experts from academia, legal practice and industry to discuss policy, design and regulatory frameworks that are shaping the development of data centers.
This symposium is approved from the Pennsylvania Continuing Legal Education Board for 3.5 substantive CLE credits. Please note registration for this event is required.
AGENDA
9:00-9:30 a.m.: Introduction to Data Centers, Energy and the Environment
This panel will provide an overview of data centers and their implications for energy use and environmental permitting.
- Todd Aagaard, Professor of Law and Heller McGuinness Leadership Chair, Villanova Law
- Alfonso Ortega, James R. Birle Professor of Energy Technology in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Villanova University College of Engineering
- Frank Tamulonis, Partner, Blank Rome LLP
9:30-10:30 a.m.: Legal and Technical Insights on Powering Data Centers
This panel will examine the legal and technical frameworks that govern the energy needs of modern data centers. Panelists will explore federal, state and local regulations, energy procurement policies and the infrastructure and operational considerations that shape the construction and operation of these facilities.
- Phyllis Kessler, Of Counsel, Greenbaum Rowe Smith & Davis LLP
- Alfonso Ortega, James R. Birle Professor of Energy Technology in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Villanova University College of Engineering
- Shelley Welton, Presidential Distinguished Professor of Law and Energy Policy, University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School
10:30-10:45 a.m.: Break
10:45-11:45 a.m.: Environmental and Land Use Impacts of Data Centers
This panel will examine how data center siting, resource needs and design decisions shape their environmental and community impacts. Panelists will discuss zoning and permitting issues, pressures on local infrastructure and the water and power considerations that accompany data center development.
- Brigitte Meyer, Staff Attorney, Citizens for Pennsylvania’s Future
- Alice Solomon, Associate Attorney, Barley Snyder
- Frank Tamulonis, Partner, Blank Rome LLP
- Aaron Wemhoff, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Villanova University College of Engineering
11:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m.: Break
12:00-1:00 p.m.: Nuclear Power and the Future of Data Center Energy
This panel will explore the potential role of nuclear power in meeting the growing energy demands of data centers. Panelists will provide background on nuclear generation, outline key regulatory and safety considerations and discuss projections for the future growth of nuclear power generation in the United States.
- Cameron Hughes, Associate, Hogan Lovells US LLP
- Fred Lowther, Senior Counsel, Blank Rome LLP
- Darani Reddick, Vice President and Chief of Staff to the CEO, Constellation Energy Corporation