WASHINGTON – President Joe Biden has signed an executive order aimed at supporting the growing energy demands of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) data centers in the United States. The order is designed to address the rapidly increasing need for power to support AI infrastructure, which has become critical for economic competitiveness and national security.
The executive order directs federal agencies, including the Defense and Energy departments, to lease federal lands for the development of gigawatt-scale AI data centers and new clean energy facilities. This move is aimed at ensuring the United States can meet the energy and infrastructure demands of the AI industry, which is expected to grow exponentially in the coming years.
Biden stated that the order would “accelerate the speed at which we build the next generation of AI infrastructure here in America,” while emphasizing the importance of balancing economic growth, AI safety, national security, and clean energy.
As part of the order, companies using federal land for AI data centers will be required to purchase an “appropriate share” of American-made semiconductors, with specific amounts determined on a case-by-case basis. This stipulation aligns with the Biden administration’s broader efforts to strengthen domestic semiconductor production, with over $30 billion allocated to chip manufacturing in the United States.
White House technology adviser Tarun Chhabra highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting that AI developers will need data centers with up to five gigawatts of capacity by 2028 to train the most advanced AI models, known as frontier models. These models require vast amounts of computing power and electricity, and the Biden administration is focused on ensuring that the United States remains at the forefront of AI development.
The order also includes measures to streamline permitting processes for AI infrastructure projects, expedite electric grid interconnections, and enhance transmission development around federal sites. Chhabra stressed that securing domestic data centers is essential not only for advancing AI technology but also for national security, as AI systems are increasingly being used in military applications and could pose significant risks if accessed by adversaries.
In addition to the domestic focus, the Commerce Department recently announced stricter controls on AI chip exports, aiming to prevent advanced computing technologies from falling into the hands of China and other rivals. The executive order complements these export restrictions by ensuring that AI operations in the U.S. are secure and sustainable, safeguarding both national security and technological leadership.