AI Chiefs to Congress: Power Up and Open Data

AI’s Energy Crisis Warning

Leaders from the world’s top AI firms are pressing U.S. lawmakers to expedite permitting for electricity infrastructure, warning that the nation’s AI ambitions may outpace its power grid. At a private meeting with senators, executives—including representatives from OpenAI, Nvidia, and Microsoft—emphasized the urgent need for more reliable and scalable energy resources to support AI model training, which consumes vast computational power. They argued that slow permitting timelines and regulatory bottlenecks could threaten America’s competitive edge in AI innovation. With global AI expansion accelerating, the stakes are mounting for domestic infrastructure to keep pace—or risk falling behind.

Unlocking Government Data for AI Innovation

In addition to energy concerns, the tech leaders called for better access to federal datasets, arguing that opening up non-sensitive government information could dramatically improve AI system training and public sector collaboration. They pointed out that clearer policies around data sharing—balanced with robust privacy protections—could fuel breakthroughs in healthcare, education, and infrastructure management. The executives urged the Senate to consider legislation modeled on successful open data initiatives abroad, framing data access as a key lever for American AI leadership. With bipartisan interest in AI regulation growing, their proposals could shape key aspects of future policy.