Peace Garden News

Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak of North Dakota has announced the formation of a working group aimed at developing a legislative framework to support the energy demands of artificial intelligence (AI). This initiative will focus on four key pillars to ensure AI is powered reliably, affordably, and sustainably.

Fedorchak emphasized the importance of energy in maintaining U.S. leadership in AI, stating, "To be AI dominant, we must first be energy dominant." The newly formed AI and Energy Working Group will concentrate on addressing the power needs of AI technology, which currently consumes significantly more electricity than standard internet searches.

The congresswoman highlighted that data centers accounted for 4.3% of total U.S. power demand in 2024, with projections indicating this could rise to 12% by 2030. She warned that without adequate action, there could be risks of energy shortages and increased costs.

The working group's first pillar focuses on achieving American energy dominance. Fedorchak noted that major tech companies are securing long-term power contracts to meet their needs. For instance, Microsoft entered an agreement to reopen the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant for its AI data center.

The second pillar addresses the need for a strong and secure electric grid. Fedorchak pointed out vulnerabilities due to the transition to intermittent power sources and cyberattacks targeting U.S. grid operations.

Pillar three involves implementing appropriate energy regulations. Fedorchak cited a gap between rapid AI growth and the slower development of necessary power infrastructure as a challenge needing regulatory solutions.

Finally, she stressed America's need to lead in global AI innovation over China as part of pillar four. Fedorchak referenced China's recent advancements with DeepSeek-R1 and President Trump's Executive Order 14179 aimed at removing barriers to American leadership in AI.

Fedorchak concluded by inviting stakeholders interested in joining the working group to contact Ty Kennedy for participation details.