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Executive order · Wednesday 23 July 2025

Accelerating Federal Permitting Of Data Center Infrastructure

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  • The executive order aims to enhance American manufacturing and technological dominance, focusing on critical manufacturing processes and technologies tied to national security and economic prosperity.

  • Key initiatives include:

    • Building infrastructure for AI data centers, including high-voltage transmission lines and necessary equipment.
    • Using federally owned land and resources for developing data centers while maintaining alignment with land purposes.

  • Definitions:

    • Data Center Project: Facilities with over 100 megawatts (MW) for AI-related processes.
    • Covered Components: Materials and infrastructure necessary for Data Center Projects, e.g., energy infrastructure, semiconductors, networking equipment, and data storage.
    • Qualifying Project: Data Center or Covered Component Projects with a minimum of $500 million in expenditures or involving significant electric load additions, or designated for national security.

  • Agencies will provide financial support for Qualifying Projects through loans, grants, and tax incentives.

  • Relevant agencies are to review and identify existing categorical exclusions under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to expedite Qualifying Project construction.

  • The Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council (FPISC) will expedite the review process for identified Qualifying Projects.

  • The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will assist in fast-tracking permits and identifying Brownfield and Superfund Sites for reuse in Qualifying Projects.

  • The order establishes protocols for consultation under the Endangered Species Act to facilitate Qualifying Projects over the next decade.

  • The Departments of the Interior and Energy will provide authorizations for identified sites, while the Secretary of Defense may lease military land for Covered Component infrastructure.

  • The order maintains existing legal authorities of executive departments and agencies and clarifies it does not create enforceable rights against the United States or its entities.