Emerging Tech

The electric vehicle charging network is close to securing a federal Department of Energy loan and plans to stand up 7,500 high-speed chargers in five years. It and other companies are working to make charging simpler and more pleasant.

Drones could someday deliver life-saving medical supplies to injured persons across Cambria County, Pa., and potentially even transport them to hospitals if need be.

At this stage of the hype cycle, artificial intelligence is demonstrating real value to state IT organizations. Arizona CIO J.R. Sloan is optimistic that solutions to emerging concerns around escalating energy use are on the way.

The Transit Tech Lab in New York City completed the “proof-of-concept” phase of its sixth annual competition to align technology solutions with some of the needs of the area’s various transit agencies.

With AI-powered recruitment tools increasingly used in hiring, the U.S. Department of Labor has announced the release of its own AI and Inclusive Hiring Framework to support inclusive hiring practices.

The Maryland Department of Information Technology is partnering with InnovateUS to offer free artificial intelligence training to state employees, joining a growing list of states to do so.

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.