Data center developers face a dizzying set of energy and environmental regulations and permitting requirements at both the federal and state levels. Securing the necessary approvals can be an expensive and protracted process. The Trump administration hopes to change that starting with an executive order on “Accelerating Federal Permitting of Data Center Infrastructure,” (EO), along with “Winning the Race: America’s AI Action Plan,” both issued on July 23, 2025.
The EO and the Action Plan seek to reshape the federal regulatory landscape for constructing data centers and associated power-generation infrastructure by directing federal agencies to establish tailored environmental review frameworks and streamlined permitting processes.