Oversight Hearing | Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee

The House Committee on Natural Resources GOP Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee held a hearing on May 22, 2025, focused on the use of federal lands to support American technological innovation, particularly the energy demands of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain. The hearing featured testimony from industry representatives and experts discussing the growing energy needs of data centers, the role of federal coal leasing, and the environmental and economic impacts of energy production on public lands. Key procurement-related topics included proposals to increase federal coal leasing and modernize royalty rates to support energy demands, the potential for colocated data centers and power plants on federal lands, and the need for permitting reforms to accelerate energy infrastructure development. Witnesses highlighted the importance of balancing energy production with environmental protections, the risks of stranded assets if energy demand projections do not materialize, and the strategic imperative to maintain U.S. leadership in AI through reliable and affordable energy. No specific contract awards or vendor selections were discussed, but policy recommendations aimed at facilitating energy infrastructure and data center growth on federal lands were emphasized.