Our Guiding Framework
Ten principles that guide the American Digital Infrastructure Coalition's work as a national, industry-supported organization advancing responsible digital infrastructure development across America.
"America needs digital infrastructure,
and we should build it responsibly."
This is not just our tagline. It is the foundational position from which all of our work flows.
To remain globally competitive in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, scientific research, healthcare technology, financial services, manufacturing, defense and communications, America must expand its data center capacity, power generation, transmission networks and supporting infrastructure.
Host communities should have access to credible information, opportunities for meaningful input, and real influence over how development affects their neighborhoods, schools, tax base and quality of life.
The cost of new power generation, transmission infrastructure, substations and grid upgrades required by large digital infrastructure projects should be borne by those projects — not shifted onto existing ratepayers through higher utility bills.
Residential customers and small businesses should not experience significant rate increases or reduced service quality because of infrastructure built to serve exceptionally large new electrical loads.
Data center development cannot succeed without corresponding investment in reliable power generation, high-voltage transmission capacity, distribution system upgrades and grid modernization.
Digital infrastructure should use water efficiently through appropriate cooling technologies, respect local watershed constraints, minimize land use impacts, and plan for long-term environmental sustainability.
Community engagement should begin before projects are finalized or announced publicly. Developers should provide accurate information about energy use, water consumption, economic impact, noise levels and timeline.
Communities hosting digital infrastructure should receive tangible returns including construction jobs, permanent employment opportunities, local contractor participation, property tax revenue, school funding contributions, infrastructure improvements and workforce development investments.
Decisions about digital infrastructure should be grounded in verified data, peer-reviewed research, transparent analysis and honest acknowledgment of both benefits and trade-offs — not in alarmism, political posturing or uncritical boosterism.
Responsible domestic infrastructure development strengthens American technological competitiveness, national security, economic prosperity and leadership in shaping global standards for responsible AI and digital growth.
These principles guide our work as a national, industry-supported coalition. Help shape the future of responsible digital infrastructure development.