‘Why AI Needs the Midwest’ with Bartlett Cleland of the Institute for Policy Innovation

Published June 30, 2026 · Featuring Bartlett Cleland of Institute for Policy Innovation

Bartlett Cleland of the Institute for Policy Innovation discusses the importance of AI infrastructure in the Midwest and its potential economic benefits.

Bartlett Cleland, a Senior Fellow at the Institute for Policy Innovation, discusses the intersection of artificial intelligence, data centers, and economic development in the latest episode of the Powering America Podcast. The conversation highlights the critical role of infrastructure development in harnessing AI's potential for future growth.

WASHINGTON — June 30, 2026 — In a recent episode of the Powering America Podcast, Bartlett Cleland, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Policy Innovation, addressed the importance of artificial intelligence and data centers for economic and infrastructure development in the Midwest. The discussion focused on the opportunities and challenges presented by AI technology and the essential infrastructure needed to support it.

Cleland emphasized that AI is fundamentally "computing power plus data," underscoring the necessity of data centers for processing and storing information. He noted that the first phase of a data center represents a significant investment, comparable in size to an aircraft carrier, and can create thousands of construction jobs. Once operational, these facilities provide high-paying jobs that can revitalize local economies.

"The promise of AI for tomorrow is a kind of the same promise that neural networks... have definitely taken huge leaps forward as computing power and speed have taken huge leaps forward," Cleland said. He also pointed out that delays in developing data centers could deter companies from investing in certain regions, ultimately leading to lost economic opportunities. "This is not just an environmental argument... it takes away the economic opportunity, and other places look more attractive," he added.

The Institute for Policy Innovation is a nonprofit think tank based in Dallas, Texas, dedicated to promoting innovative public policy solutions. Through research and analysis, IPI addresses key issues affecting economic growth and individual freedom.

About the Powering America Podcast

The Powering America Podcast explores topics related to energy, infrastructure, public policy, and economic growth. The show features expert guests who discuss the implications of current trends and policies on America's future.

About Institute for Policy Innovation

The Institute for Policy Innovation (IPI) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan public policy research organization founded in 1987 that develops and promotes free-market solutions to public policy challenges. Based in Flower Mound, Texas, the institute conducts research and publishes policy analysis on issues including health care, technology, energy, taxation, trade, intellectual property and economic growth. IPI scholars regularly produce research reports, opinion pieces and legislative analyses aimed at advancing policies that encourage innovation, limited government and individual liberty.

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About the Guest

Bartlett Cleland — Senior Fellow

Bartlett D. Cleland is a research fellow with the Institute for Policy Innovation, where his work focuses on technology, innovation, telecommunications and public policy. An attorney and longtime technology policy expert, Cleland has served on federal advisory bodies, including the Federal Communications Commission’s Consumer Advisory Council, and previously represented the Institute for Policy Innovation on the Internet Safety Technical Task Force established at the request of 49 state attorneys general. He has also worked on technology policy for former U.S. Sen. John Ashcroft and contributed commentary on innovation and regulatory issues for national publications.

About the Powering America Podcast

The Powering America Podcast hosts conversations on energy, infrastructure, policy and economic growth — interviewing the operators, regulators, and innovators powering America's grid, gas, nuclear, and industrial future. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.