This week, President Donald Trump, alongside Pennsylvania Sen. David McCormick and artificial intelligence investment leaders, announced $90 million in AI and energy investments in Pennsylvania.
Stressing the immense need for energy to power artificial intelligence, the president is seeking to address the energy required for massive data centers.
McCormick said, “Pennsylvania is brimming with talent to meet the needs of the AI Revolution. Our economy brings together construction workers, steamfitters, machinists, and countless other trades necessary to build data center infrastructure.”
Some of the investors in the project include Blackstone, Google, and CoreWeave.
Due to the increased energy demands that AI technology requires for the U.S. power grid, adding power to and improving the grid with oil, coal, natural gas, nuclear power, and even forms of renewable energy have taken on increased importance
The president said, “Today’s commitments are ensuring that the future is going to be designed, built, and made right here in Pennsylvania and…in the United States of America.”
He continued, stating that “China and other countries are racing to catch up to America having to do with AI, and we’re not going to let them do it.”
Combined, the investments total $56 billion for energy infrastructure and over $36 billion for data centers.
Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum is one of the leaders of the National Energy Dominance Council, which is focused on decreasing regulations and slimming down permitting times for energies like coal and natural gas.
The executive director of the White House’s National Energy Dominance Council, Jarrod Agen, made a point to say that America will be in a better position when making trade deals with other nations if we have more energy to export and if we are not reliant on our international partners.
Exporting energy is important for trade negotiations and national security. AI dominance is only possible with a strong and comprehensive energy policy that prioritizes American interests.