The PA Chamber urged lawmakers last week to seize on a “transformative opportunity” for Pennsylvania to become a national hub for artificial intelligence and data center development.

During testimony before the state House Energy Committee, PA Chamber Director of Government Affairs Amy Brinton highlighted Pennsylvania’s unique mix of energy assets, workforce, and infrastructure that position it to lead the next wave of technological growth.

“AI is the fastest-growing tech sector and is increasingly integrated into industries ranging from healthcare to manufacturing,” Brinton said. “This is not just a technological shift; it is a generational change and requires a level of infrastructure readiness that few regions can provide.”

Brinton pointed to Pennsylvania’s energy resources as a major advantage. The Commonwealth is the nation’s top electricity exporter, second-largest natural gas producer, and third-largest energy producer overall.

Brinton’s testimony emphasized that energy reliability, water access, and a skilled workforce are essential to meeting the growing demands of data-intensive industries. Brinton called for policies that strengthen grid capacity and support investment in both traditional and emerging energy technologies.

“To position Pennsylvania for long-term economic growth, we must leverage our energy assets strategically,” Brinton said. “We must ensure policies also support investment in reliable, dispatchable generation and a resilient electric grid.”

In addition to energy and infrastructure, Brinton highlighted workforce readiness as a critical factor in attracting and sustaining investment. She cited Pennsylvania’s strong network of colleges, technical schools, and apprenticeship programs as a foundation for growth, noting that “success depends on building a robust pipeline of qualified workers.”

Brinton also addressed proposed legislation, House Bill 1834, which would regulate data center operations. She said the PA Chamber supports its underlying goals but cautioned that certain provisions could “unintentionally discourage investment” or “weaken Pennsylvania’s competitive position.”

She concluded by calling for a balanced approach that fosters both economic and environmental responsibility. “Pennsylvania has all the ingredients to become a national, and even global, leader in data center investment and AI-driven innovation,” Brinton said. “Just as Pennsylvania led previous industrial and energy revolutions, we can lead again — this time in the era of AI and digital infrastructure.”

Brinton’s full testimony is available here.