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Powering the Next Big Things
@ a16z
04/23/25
Takeaways
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Doug Burgum
04/23/25
@ a16z
I decided to run for governor to give back after being an entrepreneur and building successful companies.
DB
Doug Burgum
04/23/25
@ a16z
North Dakota spends a billion dollars a year on K-12 education, which made me realize the impact we could have by giving our time instead of just money.
DB
Doug Burgum
04/23/25
@ a16z
As governor, I believe we need people who know how to run things and can apply business principles to public service.
DB
Doug Burgum
04/23/25
@ a16z
North Dakota is unique because it has a state bank, allowing the governor to influence economic development directly.
DB
Doug Burgum
04/23/25
@ a16z
We must focus on reducing red tape to drive capital formation and ensure talent flows into North Dakota instead of away from it.
DB
Doug Burgum
04/23/25
@ a16z
The National Energy Dominance Council was created to ensure we have enough energy to support our interests both domestically and abroad.
DB
Doug Burgum
04/23/25
@ a16z
Energy abundance is crucial for driving priorities at home, especially for AI, as we currently lack enough electricity to support its growth.
DB
Doug Burgum
04/23/25
@ a16z
The shale revolution has transformed the U.S. into the world's largest exporter of oil and gas, driven by technological advancements.
DB
Doug Burgum
04/23/25
@ a16z
The technology in the energy sector is evolving rapidly, with significant investments in small modular nuclear reactors and other innovations.
DB
Doug Burgum
04/23/25
@ a16z
We need to support any reliable energy source, including nuclear and natural gas, to ensure a stable energy supply for the future.
DB
Doug Burgum
04/23/25
@ a16z
Fossil fuels have historically played a crucial role in energy transitions, such as moving away from whale oil in the 1800s.
DB
Doug Burgum
04/23/25
@ a16z
The existential threat to the U.S. is not just climate change, but also the risk of Iran obtaining nuclear weapons and losing the AI race to China.
DB
Doug Burgum
04/23/25
@ a16z
We need to ensure our energy capacity to avoid losing the AI arms race to China, as electricity generation is a key factor.
DB
Doug Burgum
04/23/25
@ a16z
The tech industry will invest more in power generation than the traditional power generation industry due to its rapid growth and demand for energy.
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a16z Cast
04/23/25
@ a16z
Whoever manufactures the most artificial intelligence will win, as it is a transformative tool that impacts every job, company, and industry, with significant implications for national security.
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a16z Cast
04/23/25
@ a16z
The integration of artificial intelligence into our lives allows everyone to achieve unprecedented heights, potentially leading to the highest GDP growth our country has ever seen.
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a16z Cast
04/23/25
@ a16z
Regulatory barriers are hindering the construction of essential energy infrastructure, such as nuclear and natural gas power plants, at a time when energy is critically needed.
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a16z Cast
04/23/25
@ a16z
The cost of electricity for AI data centers is rising, and businesses may need to pay more for electricity than ever before, which could impact their margins significantly.
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a16z Cast
04/23/25
@ a16z
We need to embrace all forms of energy and stop creating artificial demand that restricts the use of abundant natural gas and propane, which are more efficient for heating and cooking.
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a16z Cast
04/23/25
@ a16z
Natural gas will play a crucial role in our energy strategy, and we must find ways to implement it without increasing consumer prices.
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a16z Cast
04/23/25
@ a16z
America must reinvest in mining to regain control over critical minerals, as China currently dominates 85% of the refining of rare earth minerals, which poses a national security risk.
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a16z Cast
04/23/25
@ a16z
To address environmental concerns, we can innovate in mining practices to make them cleaner and safer, as demonstrated by North Dakota's goal to be carbon neutral by 2030 without new regulations.
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a16z Cast
04/23/25
@ a16z
Entrepreneurs should seize the opportunity in the mining industry, as there is significant potential for profit and innovation in this space, especially with a sense of urgency around resource production.
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a16z Cast
04/23/25
@ a16z
The U.S. has vast unoccupied land suitable for mining, and we can leverage technology to map and utilize these resources effectively without harming national parks.
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a16z Cast
04/23/25
@ a16z
AI can help streamline government processes, including permitting, which currently takes years or decades, and can be reduced to months or weeks with the right technology.
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a16z Cast
04/23/25
@ a16z
The concept of 'freedom cities' could incentivize capital flow into impoverished areas by providing quick access to permits, thus fostering economic growth and reducing regulatory burdens.