Business Roundtable Unveils Policy Agenda to Power America’s AI Leadership while Making Energy More Affordable

Washington - Business Roundtable today released “Powering the AI Economy: An Energy Policy Agenda for Artificial Intelligence,” a policy roadmap to secure the United States’ leadership in artificial intelligence (AI) development and deployment while ensuring affordable and reliable energy for consumers.

The report urges immediate federal action to strengthen U.S. energy reliability and competitiveness amid rapid growth in AI and data center infrastructure. Without permitting reform, modern transmission systems and a diverse mix of energy sources, the U.S. risks falling behind global competitors.

“Artificial intelligence is reshaping every sector of our economy, but America cannot lead in AI if our energy infrastructure falls behind,” said Joshua Bolten, CEO of Business Roundtable. “Our policy roadmap lays out practical steps to secure reliable, affordable energy for consumers and the innovation capacity businesses need to maintain our competitive edge.” 

Maintaining U.S. leadership in AI is critical for our economic and national security, and the major benefits for American consumers. And Business Roundtable member companies are at the forefront of developing sustainable and cost-effective solutions to support the rapid build-out of the AI economy, which new data indicate is helping address energy affordability. With the right policies in place, AI deployment can continue to improve energy affordability and support a more sustainable economy.

“Winning the global AI race — and building the infrastructure to power it — will take public-private partnership,” said Jennifer Rumsey, Chair and CEO of Cummins Inc. and Chair of Business Roundtable’s Energy & Environment Committee. “Policies that provide clarity and speed, especially on permitting, will help American innovators build and scale faster, keep the U.S. competitive and deliver economic growth across the country.”

Business Roundtable’s policy roadmap calls for an “all-of-the-above” energy approach with 26 recommendations designed to strengthen U.S. competitiveness in the global AI race while keeping energy affordable for consumers, including:

• Accelerating comprehensive permitting reform to enable the rapid buildout of new energy and transmission infrastructure;
• Embracing an all-of-the-above energy strategy that harnesses the power of every domestic generation source to meet rising demand reliably, sustainably and affordably;
• Supporting the development of AI infrastructure that improves energy reliability and strengthens local, regional and national economies; and
• Improving the regulatory landscape and related supply chains, reducing financial barriers, and improving coordination and planning across government entities. 

By unlocking investment, modernizing infrastructure and ensuring stable, affordable power, the U.S. can sustain both its innovation edge and the economic strength that underpins it. 

The full policy paper is available here.