Governor Shapiro’s Statesmanlike Remarks on AI, Data Centers
By Paul Steidler: There are certain issues of such high stakes for America, like who gets to the Moon first and responding to 9/11, where internal political warring weakens us and empowers our adversaries. Add to those examples the need for the U.S. to be the preeminent provider of AI, powered by a growing number of data centers, so that we remain the global economic and military leader.
AI, though, has been the subject of many attacks since ChatGPT unveiled its model in November 2022. There have been numerous criticisms that it would lead to major job losses (all of which have been proven false for three plus years), as well as other concerns, including electricity costs.
While a handful of national politicians from both parties can regularly garner wide publicity by raising these issues, it is important and encouraging to see that many others are doing the hard work to ensure our economy and people realize the vast benefits of AI.
Governor Josh Shapiro’s (D-PA) state of the state address on February 3 is an excellent case in point. Pennsylvania is poised to benefit from AI, as was most notably evident at a July 15, 2025, event in Pittsburgh at which President Donald Trump and business leaders announced $90 billion in planned AI investments. Governor Shapiro attended the event and has been working to attract AI investments to the state.
In a press statement on July 15, the Governor’s office pointed out that he had previously announced in June a $20 billion commitment from Amazon “to build AI and cloud computing campuses across the Commonwealth – the largest private sector investment in Pennsylvania history. This transformational project will create at least 1,250 high-paying tech jobs and thousands more construction and supplier jobs.”
The Governor doubled down on his support for AI and data center investments in Tuesday’s speech.
“The United States is locked in a battle for AI supremacy against China. I don’t know about you, but I’d much rather the future be controlled by the United States of America, and not communist China.”
Especially important, he noted that his administration is being decisive, pushing hard to get new power plants online, saying, “We are delivering the speed and certainty in our permitting process these massive projects require.”
Governor Shapiro also announced the launch of the Governor’s Responsible Infrastructure Development standards (GRIDs), which will ensure tech companies pay fair prices for power, are transparent, hire and train local workers, and protect the environment. While details are still pending and important, the framework is reasonable and already aligned with industry best practices.
In the weeks ahead, it will be important to watch how much other Governors, and Members of Congress of both parties, follow Governor Shapiro’s thoughtful and commonsense approach.