Independent analysis of data centre power architecture, autonomous operations, and the infrastructure behind AI. By Adi Kumar.

The Regulatory Layer: a ten-essay field guide

The Regulatory Layer · ten-essay series

The Regulatory Layer. A ten-essay field guide

Ten essays on the specific regulatory frameworks shaping AI infrastructure buildout: FERC interconnection reform, state PUCs, EPA permitting, local zoning, CFIUS + international FDI, export controls, EU AI Act + CRA + DORA, NEC + UL + NFPA safety standards, labour + immigration constraints. Written for operators + investors who need to work through the regulatory perimeter.

10essays
Consulting-gradevisuals throughout

01The essays

  1. I
    FERC Order 2023 + ISO queue reform
    PJM + MISO + ERCOT + CAISO + NYISO + SPP + ISO-NE
  2. II
    State PUCs + rate-case battleground
    Virginia + Texas + California + Arizona + Georgia + Ohio + Oregon + Illinois
  3. III
    EPA + environmental permitting
    NEPA + EIS + air + water + wetlands + endangered species
  4. IV
    Local zoning + community opposition
    Loudoun + Prince William + Ohio + Georgia + Reno + Phoenix + Dallas
  5. V
    CFIUS + Outbound Investment Rule
    Mandatory + voluntary filings + full investigation process
  6. VI
    UK NSI + EU FDI + APAC
    UK + Germany + France + Italy + Japan + Australia + India
  7. VII
    Export controls + AI-chip perimeter
    H100 + H200 + B100/B200 + GB200 + MI300X + Gaudi
  8. VIII
    EU AI Act + CRA + DORA
    Multi-regulation stack + up to 7% turnover fines
  9. IX
    NEC + UL + NFPA electrical safety
    NEC 2023/2026 + UL 98B/1741 + NFPA 70E/855
  10. X
    Labour + immigration (series close)
    H-1B + L-1 + O-1 + TN + H-2B + green card constraints

Working on an AI infrastructure decision?

I advise PE sponsors + hyperscaler strategy teams + industrial acquirers on regulatory sequencing, jurisdiction selection, and CFIUS/FDI structuring for AI infrastructure transactions.

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Related: Case Studies (regulatory-adjacent deals), /ai-infrastructure-regulation/ hub, Hyperscaler + NuclearFull series index: /tag/regulatory-layer/.

Definition The Regulatory Layer is a ten-essay field guide to the rules shaping the AI infrastructure buildout. Coverage includes FERC and ISO reform, state PUCs, EPA environmental permitting, CFIUS, export controls, EU AI Act, DORA, standards bodies (NEC, UL, NFPA) and labour/immigration policy.