The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is exploring innovative uses of artificial intelligence (AI) to lessen environmental impact and boost the efficiency of its operations. Deputy Administrator David Fotouhi emphasized that winning the global AI competition is crucial for America.
Fotouhi spoke with Breitbart News economics editor John Carney during an event on Monday in Washington, D.C., where he reiterated the agency’s support for President Donald Trump’s initiative aimed at establishing US leadership in the AI sector.
He described the agency’s AI efforts as having both an inward and outward focus. “Externally, the data centers powering the AI revolution—something America must win in—require substantial baseload power and significant water resources,” Fotouhi noted.
In July, he unveiled a 23-page document titled “America’s AI Action Plan,” asserting that maintaining global standards in AI is essential for national security. He mentioned the need for the country to sustain its technological edge, as global competitors are racing to harness these technologies.
Fotouhi expressed that “AI presents a unique opportunity for modern society to advance significantly.” He pointed out that while U.S. energy production has stagnated since the 1970s, China is rapidly expanding its power grid—something that poses a challenge for the U.S. in its quest for AI dominance.
According to a report from the Center for Security Policy, AI technology has become the “Cold War” of the 21st century, with concerns that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) might soon emerge as the world’s leading AI powerhouse.
The report warns that if the CCP achieves its goal of controlling AI technologies by 2030, the U.S. risks losing its status as a top global power.
Fotouhi elaborated on the EPA’s initiatives to enhance infrastructure supporting AI. “Therefore, we are pursuing regulatory measures to increase the capacity of power generation, invest in stable electricity sources, and improve grid reliability,” he said, also mentioning environmental considerations.
He explained that the agency is exploring options for facilities that consume large amounts of water for cooling systems to recycle water, reducing the depletion of groundwater sources. “We are updating our water reuse action plan to allow for greater flexibility in this area,” he added.
Internally, the EPA recognizes that utilizing AI has the potential to streamline how the agency processes large data sets and manages permits. Fotouhi indicated they are proceeding cautiously with this technology.
“We’re not just implementing new tools without proof of concept; we’re actively seeking opportunities and collaborating with state partners,” he noted, adding that some state environmental departments are already using AI more extensively than the federal agency.
He further asserted that AI could significantly enhance the productivity of the agency’s workforce.
