Advancing United States Leadership in Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure
Jan 17, 2025
Jan 17, 2025
Summary
Aims to make the U.S. a leader in AI by building the needed data centers and clean energy sources, protecting national security and the economy.
What problem does this solve?
Developing advanced AI requires huge amounts of computer power and electricity, which the U.S. currently lacks in a secure and coordinated way. This order speeds up the building of AI data centers and clean energy on federal land by making the permit process faster and setting clear goals.
What does this order do?
Identifies federal land for AI data centers
Requires the Department of Defense and Department of Energy to each find at least three federal sites suitable for building large-scale AI data centers and the clean energy facilities to power them.
Speeds up the permit process
Directs federal agencies to prioritize and speed up the approval of permits for AI infrastructure projects on federal land, with a goal of finishing all construction permits by the end of 2025.
Requires new clean power for new data centers
Mandates that companies building AI data centers on federal sites must also secure enough new clean energy to meet the data center's electricity needs, preventing strain on the existing power grid.
Promotes development of new nuclear and geothermal energy
Directs the Department of the Interior to create 'Priority Geothermal Zones' and requires the Departments of Defense and Energy to identify sites for new nuclear power plants to support AI's energy needs.
Sets security and supply chain rules
Requires AI data centers on federal land to follow strict cybersecurity standards and use American-made advanced computer chips whenever possible to protect national security.
Protects consumers from higher electricity prices
Directs the Department of Energy to study how AI data centers affect electricity prices and help states create rate structures that prevent costs from rising for other customers.
Supports small businesses in the AI field
Requires that at least one winning proposal to build on federal land comes from a group of small or medium-sized companies and that extra computing power is made available to startups.
Works with allies on global AI infrastructure
Requires the Secretary of State to create a plan for working with allied countries to build trusted AI infrastructure around the world and strengthen supply chains.
Who does this affect?
- AI development companies
- Clean energy producers
- Federal agencies
- Construction workers
What is the real world impact?
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Strengthens national security and economic leadership
Ensures the most powerful AI systems are built in the U.S., preventing rivals from gaining a military or economic edge. It also reduces dependence on other countries for critical technology infrastructure.
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Accelerates the shift to clean energy
Uses the massive electricity demand from AI data centers as a reason to quickly build new clean power sources like solar, wind, geothermal, and nuclear energy.
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Benefits large technology and energy companies
Creates major government-supported opportunities for large corporations to build and operate new data centers and power plants. While it includes rules to help small firms, the scale of these projects favors big companies.
When does this start?
This order takes effect on January 14, 2025, and sets several deadlines for federal agencies throughout 2025 and beyond.
Identify Federal Sites for AI Data Centers
By February 28, 2025, the Departments of Defense and Energy must each identify at least three federal sites for AI data centers.
Designate Priority Geothermal Zones
By March 15, 2025, the Department of the Interior must designate at least five regions as priority zones for developing geothermal energy.
Launch Public Proposals for Sites
By March 31, 2025, the government must launch a competitive process for private companies to submit proposals to build on the identified federal sites.
Announce Winning Proposals
By June 30, 2025, the Departments of Defense and Energy will announce the winning proposals from companies to build AI infrastructure on federal land.
Complete Construction Permitting
The goal is to issue all necessary permits for construction on the federal sites by the end of 2025.
Begin Full AI Infrastructure Operation
The target for the new AI data centers and their power sources on federal land to be fully operational is December 31, 2027.