Days before leaving office, President Joe Biden has signed an executive order aimed at securing the United States’ leadership in artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure development, a move designed to advance national security, economic competitiveness, and clean energy innovation. The order, issued amidst growing global competition in AI technologies, outlines a comprehensive plan to establish large-scale data centers powered by renewable energy on federally leased sites.
“AI is reshaping the world, and the United States must remain at the forefront,” said President Biden. “This executive order will not only strengthen our leadership in AI but also prioritize environmental sustainability and economic resilience.”
The directive mandates the Department of Defense (DOD) and Department of Energy (DOE) to lease federal sites for the construction of gigawatt-scale AI data centers and clean energy facilities. These sites will be chosen based on their proximity to high-capacity transmission infrastructure and minimal environmental or community impact.
Selected developers must fund the entire cost of constructing and maintaining AI infrastructure, ensuring the initiative imposes no additional costs on taxpayers. Developers will also be required to integrate clean energy generation, advancing U.S. leadership in renewable technologies.
Agencies like the DOE and DOD will expedite permitting processes and streamline transmission line development to support these projects. To maintain consumer affordability, the DOE will study the impact of AI infrastructure on electricity prices and provide guidance to public utility commissions on tariff designs.
The executive order underscores the strategic importance of AI infrastructure for national security. By developing domestic facilities, the U.S. can mitigate risks of foreign dependency and protect against adversaries gaining access to advanced AI technologies.
“Building this infrastructure domestically is vital to safeguard sensitive data and leverage AI for national defense,” said Dr. Jennifer Granholm, Secretary of Energy. “This initiative ensures AI innovation aligns with America’s strategic goals.”
In addition, the order supports small businesses and startups by allocating some infrastructure capacity for their use. It also includes measures to enhance lab security and evaluate AI models for safety and national security risks.
The integration of clean energy is a cornerstone of the initiative. Developers are required to procure sufficient renewable energy to match the electricity demands of their data centers. The DOE and Department of the Interior will identify federal lands suitable for renewable energy projects, including geothermal and nuclear energy.
“This effort positions the U.S. as a leader in sustainable AI development,” noted Secretary Granholm. “It demonstrates how innovation can coexist with environmental stewardship.”
The executive order emphasizes high labor standards and domestic manufacturing. Developers must adhere to prevailing wage requirements and prioritize sourcing domestically manufactured semiconductors to strengthen the U.S. supply chain.
The initiative also includes provisions for international engagement. The Department of State will work with global allies to promote trusted AI infrastructure and clean energy technologies worldwide.
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