The United States is taking steps to maintain its leadership in artificial intelligence (AI) with a new Executive Order signed by President Biden. The order aims to speed up the development of AI infrastructure across the country, emphasizing economic competitiveness, national security, AI safety, and clean energy.
President Biden stated, "We will not let America be out-built when it comes to the technology that will define the future." He highlighted the importance of building AI infrastructure without compromising environmental standards or imposing new costs on American families.
The Executive Order directs the Department of Defense and the Department of Energy to lease federal sites for private sector development of frontier AI infrastructure. This initiative is intended to support small businesses and startups while promoting a competitive AI ecosystem. The effort also aims to position America as a leader in clean energy deployment amid global strategic competition.
According to President Biden, "Building AI infrastructure in the United States is a national security imperative." He emphasized that domestic data centers are crucial for training and operating powerful AI models safely and securely.
The Executive Order outlines several measures to accelerate AI infrastructure development. Federal sites owned by the Department of Defense and Department of Energy will host gigawatt-scale AI data centers. Developers selected for these projects must match their electricity needs with clean energy resources.
To ensure timely operation, agencies will prioritize permitting processes for these infrastructures. Additionally, efforts will be made to coordinate transmission line upgrades around federal sites.
Developers on federal sites must adhere to certain obligations, including covering all costs associated with building and maintaining AI infrastructure. They are also required to procure new clean energy generation resources and strengthen lab-security requirements.
In summary, this Executive Order seeks to secure America's leadership in artificial intelligence while supporting clean energy initiatives and ensuring consumer protection from rising electricity prices.