Biden’s last-minute AI executive order: A green energy power grab?

• President Joe Biden signed an executive order to accelerate the transition to “clean” energy and bolster AI infrastructure, with federal agencies tasked with leasing lands for AI data centers powered by clean energy.
• Critics argue the order is more about imposing a green energy agenda than advancing AI, potentially stifling energy freedom and expanding government overreach.
• The executive order is framed as a national security imperative but is viewed by skeptics as a political maneuver to solidify green energy policies before a new administration takes office.
• Concerns have been raised about the hidden costs of green energy and AI expansion, particularly the potential strain on the energy grid and increased electricity prices for consumers.
• The rushed nature of the order and its reliance on federal mandates have raised questions about government overreach and the potential erosion of energy freedom, as well as the balance between government action and individual liberty.

In a move that has sparked controversy and concern, President Joe Biden signed an executive order just six days before leaving office, aiming to accelerate the United States’ transition to “clean” energy while bolstering artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure. Critics argue that this eleventh-hour action is less about innovation and more about cementing a green energy agenda that could stifle energy freedom and expand government overreach.

Green energy mandate disguised as AI advancement

The executive order, titled Advancing United States Leadership in Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure, directs federal agencies to lease federal lands for the construction of “gigawatt-scale” AI data centers powered by clean energy. The Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of Energy (DOE) are tasked with identifying suitable federal properties, while the Department of the Interior is instructed to pinpoint lands for clean energy projects.

The order defines “clean energy” as geothermal, nuclear, solar, wind, hydroelectric, and other low-emission sources. While the administration frames this as a necessary step to maintain U.S. leadership in AI and national security, skeptics see it as a thinly veiled attempt to force green energy onto the grid, regardless of economic or practical consequences.

The White House claims the initiative will not impose new costs on American families, but critics question how such massive infrastructure projects—requiring billions in private and public investment – won’t ultimately burden taxpayers. Moreover, the order’s emphasis on “clean energy” raises concerns about the reliability and affordability of the energy grid, particularly as AI data centers are notoriously energy-intensive.

National security imperative or political power play?

The Biden administration has framed the executive order as a “national security imperative,” arguing that domestic AI infrastructure is essential to prevent adversaries like China from gaining a technological edge. However, the timing of the order – just days before President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration – has led many to view it as a political maneuver to lock in green energy policies before a new administration can reverse them.

This suspicion is further fueled by the administration’s simultaneous crackdown on offshore oil and gas drilling. On Monday, Biden announced a ban on future drilling across 625 million acres of the outer continental shelf, a move that could complicate efforts by the incoming administration to expand domestic energy production. Republican lawmakers have already criticized the decision, with House Energy and Commerce Committee leaders demanding answers from outgoing Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm.

The executive order’s focus on AI infrastructure also raises questions about its true priorities. While the administration claims it will foster economic competitiveness and innovation, the heavy reliance on clean energy mandates suggests a broader agenda to reshape the energy landscape, regardless of market demand or technological feasibility.

Hidden costs of green energy and AI expansion

One of the most contentious aspects of the executive order is its potential impact on energy costs and grid reliability. AI data centers are energy hogs, consuming vast amounts of electricity to power and cool their operations. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), AI and cryptocurrency data centers accounted for nearly 2% of global energy consumption in 2022 – a figure that could double by 2026.

The administration insists that new clean energy projects will offset this demand, but critics argue that renewable energy sources like wind and solar are inherently intermittent and unreliable. Without a robust baseload power source – such as natural gas or nuclear – the grid could face significant strain, leading to higher costs and potential blackouts.

Furthermore, the order’s requirement that AI data centers be powered exclusively by clean energy could drive up operational costs for businesses, which may then pass those costs onto consumers. The administration’s promise of “low consumer electricity prices” seems at odds with the reality of transitioning to a grid dominated by renewables, which often require significant subsidies and infrastructure investments.

A legacy of overreach?

As President Biden prepares to leave office, this executive order represents a final push to advance his green energy agenda. While the administration touts it as a forward-thinking initiative to secure America’s technological and environmental future, critics see it as an overreach that prioritizes ideology over practicality.

The order’s reliance on federal mandates and land leases raises concerns about government overreach and the erosion of energy freedom. By dictating how and where energy infrastructure is built, the administration risks stifling innovation and competition in the energy sector. Moreover, the rushed nature of the order – coming just days before a new administration takes office – suggests a lack of confidence in its ability to withstand scrutiny or reversal.

As the nation grapples with the challenges of energy security, technological advancement, and economic competitiveness, this executive order serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between government action and individual liberty. While the goals of clean energy and AI leadership are laudable, the means by which they are achieved must respect the principles of free markets and limited government. Otherwise, the legacy of this administration may be one of overreach, not progress.

Sources include:

WattsUpWithThat.com

DailyCaller.com

WhiteHouse.gov