The Future of AI Policy: What We Told the White House
Plus, the New Frontier for Freedom We're Arguing For
White House AI Action Plan
This past week, our team submitted detailed recommendations in response to the administration's Request for Information on developing a comprehensive Artificial Intelligence Action Plan. Neil Chilson, Head of AI Policy, and Josh Smith, Energy Policy Lead, emphasized critical policy actions essential to maintaining U.S. leadership in AI innovation. Our recommendations focus on curbing the conflicting patchwork of state AI regulations, advocating a unified, innovation-friendly federal approach, and facilitating the energy infrastructure necessary to sustain AI advancement. You can read our full submission and recommendations here and Neil’s X thread here.
An Obscure But Important Proceeding in CA
A few weeks ago Neil provided comments on proposed regulations from the California California Privacy Protection Agency (CPPA) which could inadvertently become a de facto AI regulatory framework. If enacted, the measure could force companies—especially small businesses—to reduce the personalized, innovative services that drive California’s startup ecosystem, ultimately limiting consumer choice and weakening the dynamic, user-focused digital economy. The proposed regulations are estimated to cost California companies approximately $3.5 billion in the first year alone, diverting critical resources from innovation to compliance. In sum Neil recommends that the definition of Automated Decision Making Technology (ADMT) should be narrowed, first-party advertising restrictions removed, a new Standardized Regulatory Impact Assessment (SRIA) conducted, constitutional concerns addressed, and implementation timelines expanded. You can view Neil’s full comments here.
Today on Capitol Hill
Today at the Capitol Visitor Center we hosted one of our monthly Capitol Hill educational events, "AI Open Source and the Global Race." I moderated a great panel featuring Neil, Jon Askonas from the Foundation for American Innovation, and Lori Moylan from Meta.
In Case You Missed It
Chris Koopman's recent op-ed in DC Journal emphasizes the importance of Meta's open-source approach to AI as a strategy for maintaining American leadership in global AI innovation. Chris argues that openness fosters distributed innovation, aligns with democratic values, and serves as America's strongest competitive advantage against closed systems. Read the full article here.
A New Frontier for Freedom
AI is at a crossroads in America. While federal leaders are advocating for innovation, states are introducing a wave of AI regulations—over 600 bills in just two months. In my latest piece, I highlight a smarter path: Montana and New Hampshire’s “Right to Compute” proposals. These efforts recognize that access to computing is as fundamental as free speech and property rights. Montana’s Right to Compute Act (SB 212) ensures that any restrictions on technology face strict judicial scrutiny, while New Hampshire’s constitutional amendment (CACR 6) would enshrine this right for generations. As policymakers wrestle with AI’s future, we must protect the freedom to build—regulating proven harms without stifling innovation. Read the full piece here.
New Film Release
Our new film, "TOO CHEAP TO METER," produced by Story Company and sponsored by Abundance Institute, is now available to watch on YouTube. Explore the compelling insights of 15 pioneers shaping the future of energy and their efforts to deliver on the historic promise of energy "too cheap to meter." Watch the film here.