US President Joe Biden has signed an executive order to address the massive energy demands of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) data centers, the White House announced on Tuesday. The move aims to support the growth of cutting-edge AI infrastructure while prioritizing clean energy and economic competitiveness.

The executive order mandates the leasing of federal sites owned by the Department of Defense and the Department of Energy for hosting gigawatt-scale AI data centers. These sites will also support new clean energy facilities to meet the high power requirements within a short timeframe.

“This order accelerates the development of next-generation AI infrastructure in America while enhancing our economic competitiveness, national security, AI safety, and commitment to clean energy,” said President Biden in a statement.

A key requirement of the order is for companies utilizing federal land for AI data centers to purchase an “appropriate share” of American-made semiconductors. The specifics will be tailored for each project, aligning with the Biden administration’s broader efforts to boost U.S. chip production through a $30 billion investment initiative.

White House technology adviser Tarun Chhabra highlighted the urgency of the initiative. “The computing power and electricity needed to train and operate frontier AI models are surging,” Chhabra said, noting that leading AI developers will require data centers with up to five gigawatts of capacity by 2028.

Frontier models, representing the most advanced AI systems, are at the heart of the nation’s competitive edge. The executive order ensures these technologies are developed and operated securely within the U.S., safeguarding national security and bolstering innovation.

In a parallel move, the Commerce Department announced new restrictions on AI chip and technology exports to limit access for adversaries like China while ensuring advanced capabilities remain within U.S. borders and among its allies.

“This is critical for securing AI operations and ensuring that America leads in the development and deployment of the most powerful AI models,” Chhabra emphasized.

The executive order represents a pivotal step in building the infrastructure necessary for the U.S. to remain a global leader in AI innovation, development, and security.