On January 14, 2025, President Joe Biden signed an ambitious executive order aimed at advancing U.S. leadership in artificial intelligence infrastructure12. The order directs federal agencies, specifically the Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of Energy (DoE), to lease federal lands for the construction of gigawatt-scale AI data centers34. This initiative is designed to meet the growing demand for AI computing power while addressing national security concerns and promoting clean energy development5.

Key aspects of the executive order include:

• Accelerating the construction of large-scale data centers and clean power generation facilities6

• Making DoD and DoE land available for new data center campuses7

• Requiring developers to build and operate facilities at their own expense1

• Mandating the construction of clean energy generation to match the data centers' full electricity needs5

• Setting a goal for leading AI developers to seek facilities with up to five gigawatts of capacity by 20282

Federal agencies will select sites for AI data centers based on access to high-capacity transmission infrastructure and minimal adverse effects on communities and the environment1. The Interior Department is tasked with identifying suitable lands for clean energy development to support these facilities2. Developers are required to provide clean energy generation that matches their data centers' full electricity needs, ensuring a sustainable approach to powering these large-scale computing facilities34. This initiative aims to bolster America's AI infrastructure while maintaining stringent environmental standards and promoting the growth of clean energy resources5.

The executive order establishes a series of ambitious deadlines to accelerate the development of AI infrastructure in the United States:

• March 15, 2025 (60 days after the order): Federal agencies must identify potential sites for AI data centers1

• January 1, 2026: Target date for applicants to begin construction of frontier AI data centers1

• December 31, 2027: Deadline for commencing full-capacity operation of AI infrastructure1

• 2028: Goal for leading AI developers to seek facilities with up to five gigawatts of capacity2

These timelines are designed to rapidly expand U.S. AI computing capabilities while allowing for earlier operation at reduced capacity if possible. The order emphasizes the urgency of addressing growing AI computing demands and strengthening national competitiveness in this critical technology sector.12

The executive order incorporates robust environmental and economic safeguards to ensure responsible development of AI infrastructure. Projects must meet National Ambient Air Quality Standards and avoid proximity to protected waters, while expedited environmental reviews will be available through "categorical exclusions"1. To protect consumers, developers are required to bear all construction and operating costs without raising prices2. The order also mandates prevailing wages for workers, balancing economic growth with fair labor practices3. These measures aim to foster AI advancement while safeguarding environmental integrity and economic stability.

The executive order comes at a critical juncture in the data center industry, addressing the explosive growth in AI-driven demand. Global data center electricity consumption is projected to reach 536 TWh in 2025, representing about 2% of global electricity usage1. This surge is primarily fueled by power-intensive AI workloads, with leading AI developers expected to require 5 gigawatts of capacity by 20282. The data center construction sector is experiencing unprecedented growth, with forecasts indicating it will reach $24 billion by the end of 20253.

To meet this surging demand while prioritizing sustainability, Biden's initiative aims to leverage federal lands for gigawatt-scale data centers. This approach not only addresses the pressing need for AI infrastructure but also aligns with environmental goals by mandating on-site clean energy generation4. The order's emphasis on sustainable growth is crucial, as data center power consumption is expected to potentially double by 2030, reaching 1,065 TWh globally1. By facilitating rapid development of AI infrastructure on federal land, the U.S. aims to maintain its competitive edge in AI while setting new standards for environmentally responsible data center expansion.