Gov. Josh Shapiro and Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger this week announced the Commonwealth has secured a $30 million investment from Nokia of America Corporation to expand its photonic semiconductor advanced test and packaging (ATP) operations in Lehigh County.

The Commonwealth is investing over $3 million in the project, which will create more than 250 new jobs over the next three years and retain 308 full-time positions.

The expansion is expected to nearly double Nokia’s Pennsylvania workforce to more than 500 jobs in research and development, engineering, and manufacturing, while generating a projected economic impact of more than $500 million over the next five years.

The project will expand Nokia’s existing photonic semiconductor ATP operations in Allentown by up to 10 times its current level, and the company has leased additional space for future product development and logistics.

Less than 2% of global semiconductor ATP capacity is in the U.S., making Nokia’s investments even more critical in growing the Lehigh Valley’s role in global supply chains.

“Nokia is doubling down on the Lehigh Valley and ensuring that the future of chip production continues to run through this region because we’ve made smart investments to make Pennsylvania more competitive and proven that our Commonwealth is a great place to do business,” Shapiro said. “As demand for semiconductors continues to grow across industries, we’ll continue to position Pennsylvania as a leader in innovation, with a supportive, thriving business climate that helps companies compete on a global scale.”

Coordinated by the Governor’s BusinessPA team, Nokia received a funding proposal from DCED for a $3.2 million Pennsylvania First grant and is eligible for at least $129,500 through the Manufacturing Tax Credit Program.

“Pennsylvania is competing and winning because trusted global companies like Nokia see the value of investing in our Commonwealth, our communities, and our workforce,” Siger said. “This expansion in the Lehigh Valley will create hundreds of good-paying jobs, strengthen Pennsylvania’s advanced manufacturing and technology sectors.”

Nokia is a global leader in connectivity for the AI era, providing the critical network infrastructure the world relies on. Nokia is the backbone of advanced connectivity across fixed, mobile, and transport networks, delivering the performance and security needed to meet the demands of an AI-enabled future.

“AI is transforming network and infrastructure requirements, reshaping networks and global infrastructure demands,” said Justin Hotard, president and CEO of Nokia. “It strengthens U.S. capabilities in a strategic technology area and reflects Nokia’s continued commitment to investing in U.S. manufacturing, innovation, and technology leadership, while supporting Pennsylvania’s growing role in the AI economy.”

L&I reminds many of child labor protections

With school out for the summer and more teenagers beginning summer jobs, the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) this week is reminding employers, parents, and young workers about the rights and responsibilities established under Pennsylvania’s Child Labor Act.

Pennsylvania’s Child Labor Act, enforced by L&I’s Bureau of Labor Law Compliance (BLLC), protects the health, safety, and well-being of workers under 18 by limiting the hours that may be worked, restricting hazardous job duties, requiring work permits, and setting clear conditions for lawful employment.

“A summer job is a meaningful first step into the workforce. It should help a young person build confidence, learn responsibility, and earn money — not put them in harm’s way,” said L&I Secretary Nancy A. Walker. “Most employers want to follow the law, and L&I is here to provide guidance. But when employers cut corners or ignore basic protections for minors, we will take those violations seriously.”

In 2025, L&I investigated 1,265 child labor cases, collected $1.46 million in fines, and found 231 companies in violation of the Child Labor Act, which reflects the Shapiro Administration’s continued commitment to enforcing Pennsylvania’s labor laws and making sure young people can safely participate in the workforce.

Pennsylvania’s Child Labor Act includes specific rules for young workers based on age, type of work, school status, hours, breaks, work permits, and other requirements.

Ward explains why energy bills are high

Sen. Kim Ward, R-39, this week launched a video explaining the real reason energy prices remain high in Pennsylvania.

The video is available now on Ward’s Pennsylvania energy webpage and social media channels.

“I get asked about skyrocketing electric rates all the time,” Ward said. “It’s important for Pennsylvanians to understand the real reason why their electric rates remain high.”

Pennsylvania is the nation’s top net electricity exporter. This means Pennsylvania is the true energy hub for the 13 states that are part of the PJM grid, which includes Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland — the largest power grid operator in the United States.

Through engaging visuals and informative dialogue, Ward highlights the real reason Pennsylvania families and businesses are paying higher rates for their energy. Ward touches on topics such as the Shapiro Price Cap, how surrounding states are draining Pennsylvania’s energy supply, why the utilities are not the only reason for high prices, and how Pennsylvania can ‘flex’ its energy power to help consumers.

“Without Pennsylvania’s reliable natural gas, coal, and nuclear power from the Marcellus Shale Region and beyond, blue states like Maryland, New Jersey, and Virginia would literally be in the dark,” Ward said. “They don’t produce nearly enough baseload power for their own economies, and they rely on Pennsylvania to keep their lights on.”

PUC announces $243.8M for communities

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) this week announced the distribution of $243,877,400 in natural gas impact fees collected from producers for the 2025 reporting year.

This funding benefits counties, municipalities, and state programs under Act 13 of 2012, which established the unconventional gas well fee.

“Pennsylvania’s natural gas industry continues to play an important role in supporting our economy, strengthening our energy future, and providing tangible benefits to communities across the Commonwealth,” said PUC Chairman Steve DeFrank. “The impact fee ensures that local governments and statewide programs share directly in those benefits, delivering funding for infrastructure, environmental improvements, public safety, and other priorities that improve quality of life for Pennsylvanians.”

This year’s distribution brings the cumulative total of impact fees collected and distributed since 2012 to more than $3.12 billion.

Breakdown of impact fee distribution:

• $133.8 million to counties and municipalities directly affected by drilling activity.

• $89.2 million to the Marcellus Legacy Fund, which supports statewide environmental initiatives, greenways, and infrastructure projects.

• $20.9 million to state agencies, as directed by Act 13.

The PUC has submitted this year’s distribution data to the Pennsylvania Treasury, which is expected to begin issuing payments in early July.

Factors affecting this year’s distribution:

The 2025 distribution is approximately $79 million higher than last year’s total, due primarily to:

• An increase in new wells spud in 2025 (444), compared to 309 in 2024.

• A higher average natural gas price in 2025 ($3.43 per MMBtu), an increase over the 2024 average of $2.27.

Because new wells (“Year One” wells) are subject to the highest impact fee, fluctuations in their number can significantly affect annual collections.

Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on X @TLBillOBoyle.