Energy Working Group of New House AI Releases RFI
Formation of the House of Representatives’ AI and Energy Working Group
The House of Representatives has created a new working group focused on understanding the surge in energy demand expected due to the expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. This move reflects a proactive approach to balancing energy supply with technological growth.
Leadership and Purpose
The working group is led by Representative Julie Fedorchak (R-ND), who held the position of North Dakota’s utility regulator for over a decade before transitioning to Congress. Rep. Fedorchak highlighted the role of this group during an event at the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) headquarters, emphasizing the importance of enhancing the electrical grid, making permitting processes more efficient, and supporting manufacturers looking to invest in cutting-edge energy solutions.
Request for Information (RFI)
Recently, the working group issued a request for information (RFI), encouraging various stakeholders to submit written feedback on critical issues related to energy and AI. The RFI is centered around three key areas:
- American Energy Dominance and AI Energy Demands: The group aims to discover strategies for establishing a stable, affordable, and sustainable domestic energy supply that can support advanced AI infrastructure. Participants are invited to contribute insights on different energy sources including oil, gas, nuclear, solar, and geothermal.
- Securing the Energy Grid: A robust and secure electrical grid is foundational for a reliable digital economy. This segment addresses essential topics like permitting reforms and the consistent generation of electricity.
- Strategic Competition: Outpacing China: Ensuring that the United States remains a leader in technology and energy is critical in a landscape marked by intensified global competition. This pillar includes discussions on manufacturing capabilities, essential minerals, and semiconductor technology.
Significance of the Initiative
The initiative is crucial for maintaining the U.S. position in AI and energy sectors. According to Rep. Fedorchak, achieving dominance in AI requires a parallel focus on energy supremacy. Reports indicate that data centers were responsible for around 4.3% of the total U.S. electricity demand in 2024. This figure is projected to rise significantly, potentially reaching 12% by 2030—equating to more electricity consumption than that of the entire state of Texas. Yet, there are concerns that the U.S. is not expanding its reliable energy sources quickly enough to meet this increasing demand.
How to Participate
Organizations and individuals interested in contributing to this discussion can submit their responses to the RFI by May 15. Submissions should be directed to [email protected].
