Emerging Tech

Wilson, N.Y., will continue to weigh a 12-month halt to processing of any applications for permits related to battery energy storage systems often associated with “utility grade” solar energy projects.

As AI evolves, government must do so as well to effectively leverage the technology for improved service delivery, attendees said at the yearly Digital Benefits Conference. Accurate data is essential to make AI-powered systems work as designed for government.

Oil companies could use a glut of natural gas to generate electricity for data centers. But one state official is using the “R” word — “regulation.” U.S. electric demand is rising for the first time in decades as a result of these facilities coming online.

Making the state’s Safe and Secure Innovation for Frontier Artificial Intelligence Models Act law is the first step toward improving its contents. If it is vetoed, incentives to create a replacement will likely dim.

A new deal would restart the nuclear power station’s Unit 1 reactor by 2028. Microsoft has committed to buy electricity generated, to run its data centers. The plant’s condition has received good reviews but capital investments will be needed.

Louisiana government is now able to accept payments in cryptocurrency, state Treasurer John Fleming has announced, noting that people will be able to make payments from secure crypto wallets.

Relationships, state CIO Liana Bailey-Crimmins said at the State of Technology — California Industry Forum event, “need to be beyond transactional.” With emergent tech like generative AI evolving, she called for “innovative ideas.”

A new report from the Center for Democracy and Technology examines ways in which AI-powered chatbots may negatively impact voter confidence this election season, for people with disabilities.

The New York State Forum has established a new AI-focused workgroup to provide resources and understanding on AI use. It will be led by the state’s Director of Data and AI Governance Gail Galusha.

At the State of GovTech conference, vendors, public officials and others discussed the industry's future, and what startups need for success. AI was a big topic, with public agency cooperation becoming more of a factor.

The Safe and Secure Innovation for Frontier Artificial Intelligence Models Act, sets strict requirements for developing large AI models. But such action could hamstring the U.S. and fail to protect against advanced foreign AI.

A cross-sector partnership has helped pave the way for electric AV shuttles to start rolling off the assembly line in Florida by the middle of 2026, meeting Buy America requirements.

New York City Councilmember Jennifer Gutiérrez is introducing new legislation this week that would require the creation of a public list of the city’s approved artificial intelligence tools.

In June, a new $4 billion nuclear power plant from the company TerraPower broke ground near Kemmerer, Wyo., with the hope of revitalizing the industry through new innovations.

From housing to homelessness, state officials want to hear from vendors of generative artificial intelligence for ideas on confronting some significant issues. A large language model showcase is set for later this month.

A guide from the Data Foundation is intended to be a comprehensive resource for policymakers, with guidance to support improved data governance amid the rise of artificial intelligence technology.

Four technology companies are part of the city’s initiative, which is aimed at growing its tech industry and making strides in smart city and digital government work. A Living Lab facility is in the works.

Their system, DeepFire, analyzes data on previous fires, weather conditions and other factors to anticipate potential wildfires and detect new ones. It is advancing in an ongoing competition to develop firefighting technology.