Utah Gov. Spencer Cox called on the federal government to take a much larger role in addressing the risks of rapidly advancing artificial intelligence, saying the potential for an existential event is growing faster than anticipated.

Cox, a Republican, made the remarks Sunday on CBS' "Face the Nation." He stated that experts in the field are increasingly concerned about the pace of development.

"The possibility of an existential event happening is growing and growing much more rapidly than anyone projected," Cox said. "The people that know the most about this are the most concerned right now."

The governor criticized Congress for its limited response so far while emphasizing that he does not support halting AI progress. "I'm not saying a moratorium. I'm not saying shutting things down," he added. "Government doesn't get this right often either, but we should be at the table working together."

Cox noted that his views have evolved with recent advancements and that his team recently contacted members of Utah's congressional delegation. He highlighted Utah's "pro-human AI approach," which involves collaboration between technology companies and state officials to develop safeguards while promoting innovation.

His comments come amid broader warnings from AI industry leaders about safety risks and the need for oversight. Cox said lawmakers should engage without stifling development that could yield significant benefits.

Utah has positioned itself as a leader in balanced AI policy, focusing on workforce readiness, human-guided applications, and protections against misuse. The state's efforts include funding for research aimed at solving challenges in areas like healthcare and mental health.

Cox expressed embarrassment at the federal response to major issues and stressed the importance of government participation in shaping AI policy at the national level.