NTIA Seeks Comments on Supporting U.S. Data Center Growth

WASHINGTON – The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today launched an inquiry into how federal policy can support the growth of U.S. data centers to meet the coming demand from artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies.

Data centers are facilities with computing machines that process, store and transmit large amounts of data. Critical and emerging technologies like AI have accelerated demand for the computing and storage infrastructure data centers provide. While there are more than 5,000 data centers in the United States, demand for data centers in the United States is projected to grow by 9% annually through 2030.

“Data centers are the backbone of a secure and resilient technology ecosystem,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Alan Davidson. “But projections show we don’t have enough data centers in the United States to meet growing demand and power the coming AI revolution. Our inquiry will lead to policy approaches that encourage the sustainable growth of this essential computing infrastructure across the country.”

NTIA’s Request for Comment (RFC) on Bolstering Data Center Growth, Resilience and Security seeks input on opportunities to balance data center market growth with supply chain resilience and data security. NTIA is issuing the RFC in coordination with the Department of Energy (DOE), given DOE’s mission to ensure American’s security and prosperity through addressing energy challenges with science and technology solutions.

Supply chain challenges include access to trusted equipment, energy demand, the need for a specialized workforce, and land availability. The RFC seeks comment on these issues and others, including:

• The market considerations data centers deem critical when seeking to modernize or expand.
• The potential positive and negative impacts of data center modernization or investment on society.
• The requirements data centers that host AI models should implement to ensure adequate data security practices.

The input received in response to this RFC will be used to develop a report with policy recommendations for how the U.S. government can foster sustainable, resilient and secure data center growth. Comments are due 60 days after publication in the Federal Register.

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About the National Telecommunications and Information Administration    

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, is the Executive Branch agency that advises the President on telecommunications and information policy issues. NTIA’s programs and policymaking focus largely on expanding broadband Internet access and adoption in America, expanding the use of spectrum by all users, advancing public safety communications, and ensuring that the Internet remains an engine for innovation and economic growth.