Building new cities in America.

AI computing demands grow exponentially. For data centers, these zones would tackle major obstacles around massive power requirements, streamlined security protocols for critical infrastructure, and the need to maintain US competitive advantage against nations like China that are creating dedicated data center clusters. With AI systems requiring unprecedented computing power and energy consumption - with some estimates suggesting AI could consume as much electricity as a small nation by 2027 - the combination of nuclear power and advanced data centers becomes crucial for sustainable AI development.

There is pressing need to reshore critical supply chains, develop automated factories, and accelerate the deployment of technologies like 3D printing, robotics, and smart manufacturing systems. With global competitors heavily subsidizing their manufacturing sectors, these zones could provide the regulatory flexibility and infrastructure needed to rapidly scale new production methods and advanced materials development.

There is an urgent need to modernize the defense industrial base, accelerate prototype development, and strengthen domestic supply chains for critical systems - from hypersonics to advanced electronics. With near-peer competitors rapidly developing new military technologies, these zones could provide the secure facilities and streamlined acquisition processes needed to rapidly test and deploy next-generation defense systems.