Just before the 2026 NFL Draft descends upon Pittsburgh in April, sports, technology and capital investment will collide in the Steel City at Powering the Future of Sport: A Draft Week Showcase. Hosted by Carnegie Mellon University, this high-profile event will see cutting-edge companies deploy artificial intelligence in real-world scenarios as part of a national startup competition.

The showcase is the latest example of how private- sector innovation is quickly fulfilling AI’s potential while broadening its benefits for Pennsylvanians. But it also serves as a reminder we cannot allow AI technology to grow too advanced without commonsense guardrails governing its use.

That’s why it was encouraging to see Pennsylvania’s Joint State Government Commission recently release a nearly 400-page report that laid out a roadmap for AI regulation and outlined a series of recommendations addressing privacy, transparency and accountability issues. Other states are also developing some type of playbook for AI adoption and regulation, but the Trump administration is moving to rein in those efforts with an executive order that calls for government agencies to “check the most onerous and excessive” state laws in favor of a “minimally burdensome, uniform national policy framework.” Although we have yet to see such a national framework come to fruition, Congress now has the opportunity to put one in place.

AI is advancing at lightning speed, and the pace of progress isn’t expected to slow down any time soon — especially as technology’s immense economic value and societal benefits guarantee a steady stream of investment. As one of the larger chambers of commerce in the commonwealth, we see, hear and live the AI activity around us. This year alone, capital investment in the United States by the nation’s five largest AI firms is expected to reach nearly half a trillion dollars. Elected officials are eager to bring that investment home to their states and constituents, including Pennsylvania.

But to realize those benefits and reap those rewards, we must acknowledge and address AI’s inherent risks. Risks like AI-powered mass surveillance, which a majority of U.S. adults believe is too dangerous and violates privacy and civil liberties. Or AI-controlled weapons that select and fire on targets without human involvement, which only 21% of Americans support.

Our abundant natural resources, skilled labor force and world-class universities have made Pennsylvania an attractive location for AI investment dollars — not to mention our reputation for innovation. Like much of the nation, AI is already being integrated into all the Keystone State’s most important sectors, like health care. Dr. Baligh Yehia, president of Jefferson Health, is using AI as part of a strategy to reclaim more than 10 million hours of clinician time by 2028.

The possibilities are endless but one key distinction is that Jefferson’s AI implementation also includes a “human-in-the-loop” policy. This means physicians and other health professionals are still in full control of the care process.

States must walk a tightrope that addresses AI’s risks while protecting innovations like a more efficient health care system. A national AI policy framework would provide valuable federal guidance and help local leaders successfully walk that tightrope. For his part, Gov. Josh Shapiro has recognized the need for balance and advocated a regulatory approach that will “minimize the risks and maximize the benefits of innovation.” On the other side of the aisle, Sen. Dave McCormick has been actively involved in discussions about America’s AI race with China.

Yet to date, the United States lacks a consistent regulatory approach on AI. For an issue that affects so many people from different walks of life, we need policymakers at all levels — including in Congress — to engage with more urgency.

Pennsylvania is positioned to emerge as a leader in the responsible use of AI for generations to come. Now, we need lawmakers in Washington to jump off the sidelines and start making progress.

Chris Heck is CEO/president of the Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce.

Copyright ©2026— Trib Total Media, LLC (TribLIVE.com)