Staff Reports
Senator Dave McCormick gave an exclusive interview this week tying the AI revolution to American energy policy. He warned that artificial intelligence is changing so fast we need more power on the grid — and faster permitting to build it. McCormick says Pennsylvania should be a leader in the race for capital, talent, and the energy that fuels AI compute.
McCormick’s Wake-Up Call: AI Needs Energy
Senator McCormick called the AI revolution “the most consequential moment in our lifetimes,” and he was blunt about what that means: AI needs vast amounts of electricity. The senator told audiences you “can’t say AI without saying energy,” meaning data centers and advanced compute can’t scale without more generation and faster grid upgrades.
This isn’t idle talk. Tech analysts and grid experts have shown that large AI models and data centers demand reliable, steady power. McCormick wants Pennsylvania to win the business that comes with that demand. He believes regulatory reform and faster permitting will bring the power plants and transmission lines that companies need to build those facilities here, not in Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, or Texas.
Permitting Reform: Unlock American Energy and Jobs Act
To move the ball, McCormick introduced the Unlock American Energy and Jobs Act, a permitting-reform package aimed at clearing what his office calls federal permitting “chokepoints.” Industry groups and some unions back the idea, arguing that delays and red tape are costing projects and raising prices. McCormick also praised President Donald Trump’s push for “energy dominance” as a national priority.
A race with China — and with ourselves
McCormick frames this as a global race, not just a state-level competition. He warned the U.S. must build the energy capacity to keep up with China and other rivals. That’s a fair point. But there is a debate over how to meet that demand. McCormick favors faster approvals for traditional fuels and modern nuclear licensing, while environmental groups and watchdogs worry some reforms could cut public input or weaken safeguards. In short: energy expansion vs. environmental caution — both sides think the stakes are existential.
Why Conservatives Should Care
Conservatives should welcome McCormick’s argument because it links national security, economic growth, and common-sense regulatory reform. If America wants to host the data centers, factories, and AI talent of the future, we need to unblock projects, upgrade grids, and make smart, realistic energy choices. And if that ruffles a few environmental activists, well — sometimes progress involves replacing slogans with solutions. Senator McCormick’s message is clear: win the energy fight, and you win the AI race. Let’s get to work.
