Zhi Tong Cai Jing·2025-12-19 02:58Core Viewpoint - The passage discusses the passage of the "Speed Act" in the U.S. House of Representatives, aimed at simplifying the permitting process for AI infrastructure and energy systems, which is now moving to the Senate for further consideration [1]. Group 1: Legislative Impact - The "Speed Act" was passed with bipartisan support, receiving 221 votes in favor and 196 against, and aims to ease the permitting process for AI infrastructure and large data centers [1]. - The act is expected to reduce the federal government permitting risks associated with energy infrastructure for major tech companies like Google and Microsoft, enhancing delivery certainty rather than accelerating construction timelines [2]. Group 2: Engineering and Project Management - The act will narrow and expedite the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) processes, allowing certain projects to bypass redundant reviews and focusing environmental impact analyses on direct effects [3]. - This legislative change is anticipated to accelerate the construction of power transmission and related infrastructure, making financing and long-term power contracts easier for data centers [3]. Group 3: Challenges and Additional Initiatives - Despite the potential benefits of the "Speed Act," significant bottlenecks remain, including local site selection issues, community resistance, and utility cost-sharing challenges, which are not addressed by NEPA reforms [4]. - The "Genesis Plan," initiated by the White House, aims to enhance the application of emerging technologies, including AI, in scientific exploration and energy projects, with participation from 24 leading AI companies [4]. Group 4: Market Outlook - Major financial institutions, including Bank of America and Vanguard, indicate that the global AI arms race is still in its early to mid-stages, with AI infrastructure investment expected to reach $3 trillion to $4 trillion by 2030 [5]. - The demand for AI computing power is driving a significant investment wave in AI infrastructure, which is still considered to be at the beginning of its growth cycle [5].