The U.S. government released a major AI Action Plan this week, focusing on building infrastructure to support artificial intelligence. The plan aims to streamline permits for data centers and energy projects, making it easier to build these facilities quickly. Key steps include using categorical exclusions under environmental laws to skip some reviews, expanding the FAST-41 program to speed up approvals, and allowing data centers to use federal lands for construction. The plan also promotes on-site power generation, like natural gas plants, to meet energy demands. Critics warn this could harm the environment by prioritizing fossil fuels over renewables.

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