Global tech trade association ITI has responded to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration's (NTIA) request for comments on strengthening data center growth, resilience, and security. The response emphasizes the role of data centers in a sustainable technology ecosystem, drawing from ITI's Sustainable Technology Policy Guide.

In its comments, ITI stated, "Data centers are essential to our modern and distributed economy and are the foundation upon which our modern digital ecosystem is built, including cloud computing, Internet of Things (IoT), AI, and many other virtual products and services." The association further highlighted that data centers provide the necessary computing power and storage capacity for these innovations.

ITI pointed out that for the U.S. to foster sustainable growth in the data center industry, discussions must address all factors within the data center ecosystem. This includes ensuring energy-efficient build-outs. "Many ITI member companies have been working on providing technology solutions that support energy-efficient data center operations for quite some time," ITI noted. They see an opportunity to leverage existing technologies to enhance next-generation tech like AI in driving efficiency.

The submission outlines several key points:

- Developing technology-neutral rules and regulations for data centers.

- Implementing incentives for private investments in carbon-free energy generation and smart technologies.

- Streamlining transmission planning processes to support sustainable growth.

- Ensuring a reliable grid that benefits industries and national security.

- Building a sustainable supply chain for critical components such as semiconductors.

- Avoiding restrictive domestic content requirements in infrastructure investments.

- Enhancing physical protections for data center security.

These recommendations aim to align facility security with cybersecurity measures, protecting critical infrastructure, confidential data, and personnel.

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