A newly released flash report by the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) highlights the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) across its bureaus, revealing widespread but uneven adoption, emerging use cases, and key policy challenges.
The report, issued by the DOI’s Office of Inspector General (OIG), evaluates how the department is using AI/ML tools, detailing both progress and risks. As of March 2024, 15 active AI or ML projects were underway across five DOI bureaus. These include AI-driven tools for wildlife image recognition, predictive modeling for disaster response, and environmental data analysis.
However, the report cautions that DOI lacks a comprehensive inventory of its AI assets, which could hinder oversight and transparency. “Not having a full picture of how AI is being used makes it difficult to ensure ethical, secure, and effective deployment,” the OIG noted.
The Department’s adoption is guided by White House policies, including Executive Order 13960 (Promoting the Use of Trustworthy AI in the Federal Government) and the 2023 National AI Strategy. DOI also participates in interagency efforts like the Chief AI Officers Council, yet challenges remain in aligning internal capabilities with evolving federal mandates.
The report identifies three primary risk categories: cybersecurity, data privacy, and algorithmic bias. DOI officials acknowledged that while some projects have undergone technical assessments, most AI deployments lack independent audits or bias testing—raising concerns over potential unintended harms.
Training and workforce capacity also emerged as hurdles. DOI currently lacks a department-wide training strategy for AI literacy, although bureaus like the U.S. Geological Survey have made strides in developing technical guidance.
To address these issues, the OIG recommends establishing a centralized inventory of AI systems, formalizing governance structures, and implementing standardized risk assessments. It also calls for increased collaboration between IT, legal, and program teams to ensure AI deployment aligns with mission goals and ethical standards.
Despite the challenges, the report underscores the value of AI for the DOI’s diverse mission—ranging from public lands management to tribal affairs—and positions AI as a transformative tool for improving efficiency and decision-making in natural resource governance.
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