McCormick: Pa. ‘uniquely positioned’ to lead in ‘most consequential moment of change’
By Whitney Downard, Pennsylvania Capital-Star
May 18, 2026
Comparing it to the revolutionary impact of the printing press in the 1400s, U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick hailed artificial intelligence (AI) as a catalyst for change in modern life, spurring societal shifts at a pace previously unseen.
“We are at the point of the most consequential change in all of our lifetimes,” McCormick told the Pennsylvania Press Club on Monday. “I would go so far to say, and this is a big statement, it’s the most consequential moment of change in human history.”
He urged assembled leaders to embrace the moment, saying the Keystone State is “uniquely positioned to be at the forefront of this moment” and reap its benefits, citing the state’s natural resources as a way to power AI.
GET THE MORNING HEADLINES.
Data centers resemble warehouse distribution centers, but contain thousands of computers that can consume as much electricity as a small city. Those computers power streaming services and e-commerce, but are increasingly needed to provide the computing capacity required for AI.
But building them has become an increasingly contentious issue for local elected officials, despite the support of officials like McCormick.
McCormick also pointed to opportunities for Pennsylvania in defense and life sciences, saying those two industries were primed for reinvention as technology adapts.
“We have to embrace it; we have to lean into it. We have to ensure that Pennsylvania remains at the forefront of the most profoundly changing, the most exciting time in human history,” said McCormick.
Doubling down on AI
The first-term Republican painted the technology as inevitable, while acknowledging both benefits and downsides. He said he uses “all” of the available AI models and encouraged his staff to do the same “as a way to just try to get faster.”
When asked about his optimistic view, he said, “It’s a little bit like saying, ‘Are you optimistic about the sun coming up or not?’”
“The sun’s coming up. And now the question is, ‘How are we going to navigate it?’ I do think it offers enormous potential for Pennsylvania,” he continued. “Which is why I’ve tried to make sure that if it’s happening, we can take this moment and make sure Pennsylvanians benefit as much as possible from it.”
Energy and tech companies said they’re investing $90B in Pa. What will they build?
McCormick spearheaded a summit focused on AI in Pittsburgh last summer, where he and others announced more than $90 billion in investments geared toward energy generating assets, data centers and workforce development in the commonwealth.
In that time, public opinion has soured. More than 70% of Americans oppose the local construction of AI data centers, according to Gallup polling released earlier this month.Half of those opposing the facilities cited their resource consumption, specifically water needs and a demand for electricity that some say threatens the state’s power supply.
A fraction of those surveyed who oppose the centers viewed AI negatively or had specific concerns about its impact on humanity.
Some of the associated fatigue around AI can be attributed to anxiety, McCormick said, as well as “misinformation” around data centers.
He likened it to the conversations around fracking over a decade ago, saying that “most people recognize that fracking is clean, it’s relatively non-intrusive to the environment and it brings (a) huge economic benefit.”
Other research found that emissions from liquefied natural gas are about 30% worse than coal and environmentalists criticize the state’s ongoing reliance on natural gas over renewable energy like solar or wind.
McCormick said municipalities should determine where and how data centers are built, but touted the thousands of temporary construction jobs needed for building the centers. Fewer are needed to manage them after they’re built. He called data centers a “boon” for tax revenues.
Water can be in a “closed loop” system, he added, so water can be recycled, though he said data centers should “bring in more energy than they use.”
“The first generation of data centers didn’t have all those parameters nailed down. I think the next generation will,” said McCormick. “And I think when communities see that … most will say yes.”
Support the work of the Pennsylvania Capital-Star today.
Independent reporting on Pennsylvania state government that impacts communities statewide — free to read and republish.
Thanks for reading Whitney’s story.
Amid fluctuating gas prices and economic uncertainty, we understand how important it is to make every dollar count.
Your contributions help make it possible for us to continue to provide statewide reporting free of advertising, subscription fees, or paywalls to your fellow Pennsylvanians who might not be in a financial position to give.
If you are able, please consider making a one-time gift of $10, $25 or $50. You can also “set it and forget it,” by becoming a sustaining member with a monthly contribution anywhere between $10 and $25.
Join your friends and neighbors as donors today.
Pennsylvania Capital-Star is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Pennsylvania Capital-Star maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Tim Lambert for questions: info@penncapital-star.com.
