Copyright Mechanicsburg Patriot News
The exploding AI technology sector will be “disruptive” to some workers whose jobs are affected, but Pennsylvania must still position itself to reap the economic rewards it offers, according to Sen. Dave McCormick. “By being at the front of the change, Pennsylvania can most benefit,” McCormick said on the inaugural episode of the Real Clear Pennsylvania podcast hosted by RCP editor Charles McElwee. Pennsylvania, the Republican senator said, should be the “tip of the spear” when it comes to taking advantage of AI development and data centers. “It offers huge opportunities, but it depends on what we do,” said McCormick, who hosted an AI summit in Pittsburgh this summer. The state has energy resources, universities, skilled labor and proximity to population centers, but more needs to be done to attract capital investments, such as expanding the energy infrastructure, McCormick said. McCormick acknowledged that AI will likely impact certain job sectors, and those workers will need assistance, but added that thousands of new jobs will be created through the construction and maintenance of massive data centers and peripheral businesses, such as hotels and restaurants, that could come along. The prospect of data centers in Hampden Township, Cumberland County, has hit some roadblocks with residents raising concerns about allowing them in an office park and expected water usage, which could reach several million gallons per day. There is also a hyperscale data center proposed a few miles away in Middlesex Township with access to existing transmission lines. McCormick said he is worried about three issues related to technology development, including the price of energy amid rising demand and helping workers affected by AI. Referencing the “Terminator” movie where computers and machines became sentient and attacked humans, McCormick said there are also moral and ethical questions accompanying technological advancements that need to be addressed through regulations. “I don’t think we’ve tackled that quite yet,” he said. McCormick also discussed his cordial relationship with Sen. John Fetterman. He said he and Pennsylvania’s Democratic senior senator have forged a friendship and working alliance, much to the chagrin of many Democrats, who have accused Fetterman of forsaking the party’s principles. However, McCormick said the two have disagreements over plenty of issues but strive to remain civil and work to find common ground to help Pennsylvanians. “It’s been a great relationship,” McCormick said. “The most important thing is I think we trust each other.”
