Interior Secretary Doug Burgum: Energy is key to winning the AI 'arms race'.

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum: Energy is key to winning the AI 'arms race'.

In the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence (AI), the race to lead is more than just a matter of technological prowess. According to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, it's also about energy. Burgum, who assumed office in February 2025, has been emphasizing the importance of energy independence to the United States' ability to maintain its dominance in AI development [1].

Burgum's rationale is grounded in the recognition that the energy-intensive nature of AI systems necessitates a reliable, diversified, and growing energy supply. The U.S. must generate enough energy to power its AI infrastructure and maintain a competitive edge against other global powers, such as China, that are also investing heavily in AI [1].

To this end, Burgum has been working to advance American energy independence. On his first day in office, he signed Secretary's Order 3417, "Addressing the National Energy Emergency," to tackle the critical need for a reliable, diversified, growing, and affordable energy supply [2]. The order aims to protect against the national and economic security threats posed by inadequate energy supplies.

Burgum's vision extends beyond solar and wind energy, which have garnered significant attention in recent years. He is encouraging governors to explore all energy-making options, recognizing that a diversified energy portfolio is essential for energy independence and AI dominance [1].

The intersection of energy and AI is not a new concept. In 2020, the International Energy Agency (IEA) published a report highlighting the importance of energy in the development and deployment of AI systems [3]. The report emphasized that the increasing use of AI in energy systems could lead to significant energy savings and increased efficiency.

Burgum's emphasis on energy independence and its role in AI dominance is a testament to his forward-thinking approach to governance. By focusing on energy, he is positioning the United States to maintain its competitive edge in AI and other emerging technologies, ensuring that American families and businesses continue to benefit from the innovation and prosperity they bring.

References:

[1] Inside AI Policy. (2025, February 21). Interior Secretary Burgum: Energy growth vital to AI arms race against China. https://insideaipolicy.com/ai-daily-news/interior-secretary-burgum-energy-growth-vital-ai-arms-race-china

[2] Department of the Interior. (2025, February 3). Secretary Doug Burgum signs first round of Secretary's Orders to unleash American energy. https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/secretary-doug-burgum-signs-first-round-secretarys-orders-unleash-american-energy

[3] International Energy Agency. (2020). Energy technologies perspective 2020. https://www.iea.org/reports/energy-technologies-perspective-2020