U.S. Representative Mr. Williams of New York has introduced the “Department of Energy Artificial Intelligence Act of 2024.” The bill is designed to strengthen the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) research and development in artificial intelligence (AI). The legislation seeks to advance AI tools, systems, and workforce development to address critical challenges in energy, national security, and science.
Advancing AI Research and Infrastructure
The bill creates a comprehensive framework for AI innovation within the DOE, aiming to enhance scientific discovery, energy efficiency, and U.S. technological competitiveness. It directs the Department to invest in high-performance computing infrastructure, support large-scale simulations, and expand workforce training in AI development. Key research areas include applying AI to model natural phenomena, energy systems, and other large-scale scientific processes. These efforts will improve the DOE’s capacity to analyze complex data and generate insights to solve pressing scientific and environmental problems.
Focus on Data and Computing Capacity
The Act emphasizes applied mathematics, computer science, and statistical methods as the foundation for building reliable AI systems. It also highlights the importance of managing large-scale datasets, addressing data scarcity that limits progress in energy and national security applications. To support this work, the bill authorizes upgrades to DOE computing facilities to handle AI model development, training, and evaluation. New high-performance infrastructure will ensure the Department can meet the growing demands of energy research while maintaining efficiency and reliability.
Building Energy-Efficient and Trustworthy AI
The legislation requires the DOE to establish at least one testbed for evaluating energy-efficient AI training and inference algorithms. This testbed will bring together industry and government stakeholders, including data center operators, AI developers, and energy utilities, to set standards for sustainable AI operations. Trustworthy AI is another central priority. The DOE must develop tools to detect and mitigate bias, enhance algorithmic explainability, and improve safety and robustness. Assurance, verification, and validation measures will help ensure AI systems operate securely, even under potential cyber threats or infrastructure challenges.
Addressing Energy Demand and Security
Recognizing the surge in energy consumption from data centers and AI computing, the bill requires the DOE to report to Congress on how this growth affects national energy security. The report will also explore emerging technologies that improve efficiency and make policy recommendations to prevent the offshoring of U.S. data resources.
Investing in Workforce Development
The Act invests in AI education and workforce training, allocating grants and research opportunities to prepare the next generation of AI professionals. It encourages public awareness campaigns and the creation of new academic programs focused on AI-related disciplines.
A Long-Term Commitment to U.S. AI Leadership
With $300 million authorized annually from fiscal years 2025 through 2030, the Department of Energy Artificial Intelligence Act represents a major investment in the country’s technological future. By expanding AI capacity and promoting responsible development, the bill aims to advance innovation across science, energy, and national security—solidifying America’s role as a leader in AI research.
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