House Passes SPEED Act Bill Supporting Trump AI Infrastructure
The House of Representatives approved legislation Thursday that would accelerate federal permitting for artificial intelligence infrastructure projects, clearing a significant hurdle for tech companies seeking to expand data center construction.
The SPEED Act passed 218-213, with support from major technology firms including OpenAI, Microsoft, and Micron Technology. The bill now moves to the Senate, where it is expected to become part of broader discussions on overhauling the nation’s permitting process.
What the Bill Does
The legislation would reform the 1969 National Environmental Policy Act by reducing the statute of limitations for legal challenges from six years to 150 days. It would also tighten deadlines for environmental reviews on projects requiring federal oversight.
“The electricity we will need to power AI computing for civilian and military use is a national imperative,” said Rep. Bruce Westerman, R-Ark., the bill’s sponsor and chair of the House Natural Resources Committee.
Supporters argue the changes are necessary as power-hungry data centers strain the electric grid. Rep. Jared Golden of Maine, a Democratic cosponsor, said the act would enable the United States to be “nimble enough to build what we need, when we need it.”
Democratic Opposition and Compromise
Most Democrats opposed the measure, demanding that any permitting reform reverse Trump administration efforts to restrict offshore wind and renewable energy development. House Republican leadership inserted language exempting Trump’s renewable energy restrictions from provisions that would limit White House authority over permits.
“That provision codifies a broken permitting status quo,” said Rep. Scott Peters, D-Calif., who supports permitting reform but voted against the bill.
Trump Administration’s Tech Force Initiative
The Trump administration announced this month a new “U.S. Tech Force” program that will employ approximately 1,000 engineers and specialists on artificial intelligence infrastructure and federal technology projects. Participants commit to two-year terms working directly with agency leadership.
Private sector partners in the program include Amazon Web Services, Apple, Google, Dell Technologies, Microsoft, Nvidia, OpenAI, Oracle, Palantir, and Salesforce. Tech Force members become eligible for full-time positions with participating companies after completing their service.
“We’re trying to reshape the workforce to make sure we have the right talent on the right problems,” U.S. Office of Personnel Management Director Scott Kupor told CNBC’s “Squawk Box.”
This story has been updated. CNN’s Business and Politics teams contributed to this report.