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Here’s our roundup of recent tech policy highlights…
White House Releases AI Action Plan
On July 23, the White House issued its much-anticipated AI Action Plan. This milestone Plan advances a wide range of AI policy recommendations—and it may spur Congress to legislate on key AI policy issues. The Plan lays out three key pillars focused on AI innovation, infrastructure, and diplomacy and security. Coverage can be found from CyberScoop and CNET.
In conjunction with the Plan’s release, President Trump also signed three AI Executive Orders (EOs), which in part aim to streamline federal permitting for energy infrastructure and promote U.S. AI overseas. For more on the EOs, see Nextgov/FCW.
President Trump Aligns Energy Investments with AI Leadership
At the recent Pennsylvania Energy and Innovation Summit, President Trump highlighted more than $90 billion in private investments in energy and data center projects. As part of its energy policy, the administration wants to streamline approvals for new power plants to help meet our nation’s growing demand for electricity. Reliable, sufficient electricity will be essential for powering AI and helping to maintain our nation’s leadership in innovation. For more on this story, see coverage from the AP, Reuters, and CBS News.
Microsoft Launches AI Skilling and Research Initiatives
In July, Microsoft announced two new AI initiatives aimed at supporting responsible AI and equipping people with the skills, knowledge, and tools needed to benefit from AI. Microsoft Elevate will donate more than $4 billion in cash and technology to help bring AI tools and training to K-12 schools, community and technical colleges, and nonprofits. In addition, over the next two years, the Microsoft Elevate Academy will help 20 million people earn AI skilling credentials.
Microsoft also announced the creation of the AI Economy Institute, an initiative that will bring together researchers from many fields to explore AI’s impact on work, education, and other aspects of society. Insights emerging from the Institute will help advance AI as a tool for good. For more information on these developments, check out this blog from Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith.
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