Powering AI: The Energy Demands of Data Centers
Energy & Utilities Intellectual Property Technology
Since the release of generative artificial intelligence (AI) models like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity, American businesses, consumers, and the federal government have rapidly integrated these tools into their daily operations. This widespread adoption has increased attention to the substantial computing power required to train and run AI systems. Unlike traditional computing tasks, training advanced AI algorithms requires immense processing power and vast data, making it significantly more energy-intensive. As AI models grow more complex, the data centers that support them consume more electricity, placing mounting pressure on the strained U.S. electricity grid. Expanding the grid’s capacity to meet this new demand will take years—if not decades—prompting industry leaders and policymakers to seek alternative solutions. Without proactive measures to address this growing demand, regions with high concentrations of data centers—such as Northern Virginia, California, and Texas—could face rising utility costs and, potentially, rolling blackouts. On-site mini-grids and alternative energy sources can alleviate data centers’ burden on the grid, promoting their energy security and reliability.
The State of Women’s Health in 2025: A Policy Brief
Health Care
May, Women’s Mental Health Month and Maternal Health Month, serves as a poignant reminder of the multifaceted challenges shaping women’s health. Lawmakers and experts are searching for solutions to align incentives, enhance access, and foster an ecosystem that improves outcomes.
Trading Power: Congressional Delegation and Presidential Tariff Authority in U.S. Law
Trade
The power to invoke tariffs rests mainly in the hands of the executive branch, now more than ever. As President Trump continues his second administration, he may continue to utilize the tariff powers delegated to and defined by Congress and the courts.
Rebuilding America: The Impact of the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act
Energy & Utilities Infrastructure Workforce
America’s infrastructure is aging rapidly, with a large portion of the nation’s roads in poor or mediocre condition, and thousands of bridges deemed structurally deficient. Surface transportation—our roads, highways, bridges, and public transit systems—forms the backbone of our nation’s economy and daily life, yet it has suffered from decades of underinvestment and delayed maintenance. The federal government plays a vital role in sustaining and modernizing this network through periodic legislation authorizing funding and outlining national priorities.
Weight of the Nation: Understanding National Debt
Financial Services Governance
With $28.9 trillion in publicly held debt and an average of $910 billion in Treasury securities changing hands daily, the U.S. bond market is a cornerstone of domestic and global financial systems. While that number may seem abstract, it has real consequences for the economy, both now and in the future. National debt refers to the total amount of money a government owes to creditors, both domestic and foreign. The dependability of U.S. Treasuries—alongside the U.S. dollar’s central role in international trade—has cemented their status as one of the safest and most liquid investment options available worldwide.
Beyond the County Line: Understanding Rural Health
Health Care Infrastructure Workforce
In this Basic, we explore complex challenges to rural health, including workforce shortages, closures, and inequities contributing to proportionally poorer health outcomes.
The “GILTI” Truth: Navigating U.S. International Tax Policy – Tax Series Part 6 of 7
Tax
As lawmakers negotiate a new tax bill in 2025, GILTI will be one of the most impactful provisions on companies with international operations. This Basic will explore how GILTI works for global corporations, how the international tax law is set to change in 2026, and the possible paths ahead for changing the tax law.
Sovereign Wealth Funds and the Global Financial System
Financial Services
This Basic will examine the background and purposes of SWFs, the role of foreign currency reserves, and the broader context of U.S. dollar dominance.