Trump order expedites federal permits for AI data centers

On July 23, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order directing federal agencies to accelerate permitting, environmental review, and land access for large-scale AI data center projects. The order defines 'Qualifying Projects' as data centers requiring more than 100 MW of load or at least $500 million in committed capital expenditure, or those designated by the Secretaries of Defense, Interior, Commerce, or Energy. Key provisions direct the EPA Administrator to expedite Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and Superfund permitting; direct the Council on Environmental Quality to establish new categorical exclusions under NEPA; open federal and military lands for data center development; and instruct the Secretary of Commerce to develop financial support mechanisms including loans, grants, and tax incentives for Qualifying Projects. The order also revokes Executive Order 14141 (Biden, January 14, 2025), which had addressed U.S. leadership in AI infrastructure.