Interior Secretary Burgum and DOE Identify 16 Federal Sites for Data Centers to Boost AI and Energy Dominance Against China

U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, who also leads President Trump's National Energy Dominance Council, is advocating for the construction of new data centers and increased energy production to bolster the nation's artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities in competition with China. Burgum emphasized that while the U.S. maintains a technological edge, China currently leads in electricity generation, which is critical for powering AI infrastructure.

The Department of Energy (DOE), under Secretary Wright's leadership, is supporting this initiative by identifying 16 federal sites for co-located data centers and energy infrastructure to ensure American leadership in AI development. Congressional representatives and officials have highlighted the importance of expanding energy generation, including utilizing coal, oil, and natural gas resources, to protect national security, safeguard the economy, and maintain global AI leadership. The Trump administration is committed to reversing previous regulatory policies to restore American energy dominance, emphasizing that energy is foundational to technological advancement and economic security.