Fetterman Opposes Slowing Down AI Data Center Regulations

John Fetterman, a U.S. Democratic Senator, stated that the pace of infrastructure development should not be slowed down in the debate over AI data center regulations. He argued that if the U.S. hesitates to expand its AI infrastructure, China will benefit. Senator Fetterman wrote on X, "AI supremacy and energy dominance underpins our national security." He expressed opposition to the political exaggeration surrounding data centers and AI. This statement came after Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro signed an executive order applying new standards to AI data center development on August 18, 2026. The executive order excluded all AI data center proposals from expedited approval processes. Former President Donald Trump also supported the expansion of AI infrastructure, stating that the jobs and tax revenue brought by AI factories and data centers to the region are "enormous." Within the Democratic Party, Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez submitted a bill for a moratorium on AI data centers, with Sanders' office stating that the bill aims to halt AI data center development. In contrast, Senator Fetterman emphasizes construction over slowing down. According to a Gallup poll, 7 out of 10 Americans responded that they oppose the construction of AI data centers near their homes. A survey by the Annenberg Public Policy Center showed that opposition to new data center construction in the area increased to 61%. The U.S.-China conflict is also fueling the debate, with AI data centers being treated as security infrastructure.