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Former President Trump’s energy policies are under renewed scrutiny as experts raise concerns about their potential to exacerbate the environmental impact of artificial intelligence. During a recent public appearance, Trump emphasized his administration’s efforts to accelerate permitting for new power plants, including those powered by fossil fuels. This, coupled with the exemption of some industrial sites from current environmental regulations, has sparked worries about the escalating energy consumption of AI. The rapid development and deployment of AI technologies demand significant power, and looser environmental standards could lead to increased pollution as companies prioritize speed and innovation in the AI sector. Critics argue that prioritizing fossil fuels and deregulation will counteract efforts to mitigate AI’s growing carbon footprint, potentially hindering progress towards sustainable AI development.