Two senators Joe Manchin, I-WV, and Lisa Murkowski, R-AK, introduced the Department of Energy AI Act to expand AI computing capabilities across the 17 national laboratories, with a focus on frontier AI models. The bill authorizes $12 billion over five years for the Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence for Science, Security, and Technology (FASST) program, aimed at advancing AI applications within science, energy, and national security missions.
The legislation also includes provisions for AI risk evaluation and mitigation programs, the establishment of AI Research and Development Centers, and funding for sensitive research areas related to national security. The bill requires the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to revise current procedures to incorporate AI into electrical grid infrastructure management.
Additionally, the bill emphasizes the importance of cultivating a strong workforce to support the evolving AI infrastructure, requiring at least 10% of funds allocated to each Center to go toward education and training in STEM fields. Manchin and Murkowski aim to ensure the U.S. remains competitive in the innovation of safe and responsible AI technologies.
