On June 27th (Friday), according to four informed sources, the Trump administration is preparing a series of executive measures to pave the way for the development of artificial intelligence (AI) in the United States by removing administrative barriers and providing the necessary land and energy support.
The massive data processing behind artificial intelligence requires stronger power support, putting significant pressure on the electricity and power grid systems of many states. Sources mentioned that the government is seeking measures including streamlining the process for connecting power generation projects to the grid and providing federal land for the construction of data centers necessary for advancing AI technology.
Anonymous sources revealed that the government will release an “AI Action Plan” and hold public events to attract social attention. The specific details are still under internal discussion. The White House has yet to respond to requests for comments on this matter.
Training large AI models requires substantial electricity consumption, leading to a surge in the demand for electricity growth in the United States for the first time in decades. According to the predictions of the consultancy firm Grid Strategies in the power industry, the growth rate of electricity demand in the US from 2024 to 2029 is projected to be five times the 2022 forecast. A new report by Deloitte predicts that by 2035, the electricity demand for AI data centers could increase by over 30 times.
The construction of new power projects and their connection to the grid remain significant challenges that typically take several years to complete comprehensive impact assessments. However, the existing transmission infrastructure is already struggling to cope with these demands.
Two sources revealed that the government is considering prioritizing the expedited connection of more developed power projects to the grid.
The selection of sites for data centers poses challenges due to the need for extensive space and corresponding resources, as well as potential opposition from zoning regulations or residents.
Sources mentioned that executive orders may involve providing land managed by the Department of Defense or the Department of the Interior to developers to address this issue.
Furthermore, the government is considering streamlining the permitting process for data centers by potentially establishing a national “Clean Water Act” permitting system to replace the current cumbersome state-specific application processes.
Back in January, Trump met with several high-tech company executives at the White House, emphasizing the “Stargate Project,” a multi-billion dollar AI infrastructure initiative led by the developer of ChatGPT, OpenAI, Japan’s SoftBank, and Oracle. The project aims to build data centers in the United States and create over 100,000 job opportunities.
Trump has identified winning the US-China AI race as a top policy priority. On his first day in office, he declared the United States in a “national energy emergency” to remove regulatory barriers obstructing oil and gas drilling, coal and critical mineral extraction, as well as the construction of new natural gas and nuclear power plants to rapidly boost energy supply capacity.
In January, Trump also ordered the government to develop an “AI Action Plan,” stating that the plan will make “America the global capital of artificial intelligence” by eliminating regulatory barriers hindering the rapid development of AI.
The report is expected to be released on July 23rd and will also incorporate input from the National Security Council.
According to two sources, the White House is also considering declaring July 23rd as “AI Action Day” to raise social awareness and demonstrate the government’s commitment to promoting the AI industry.
Trump is expected to attend the “AI and Energy” event in Pennsylvania on July 15th, hosted by Senator Dave McCormick.
Amazon announced earlier this month that it will invest $20 billion to build data centers in two counties in Pennsylvania.
(Source: Reuters)