The Trump administration is reportedly planning to leverage artificial intelligence, specifically Google's Gemini, to draft federal regulations, beginning with the Department of Transportation (DOT). This initiative, while promising increased efficiency, is sparking concerns about the quality and potential risks associated with AI-generated rules.
The Push for AI-Driven Regulation
According to Engadget, DOT's General Counsel Gregory Zerzan stated that President Trump is "very excited" about the initiative, positioning DOT as the first agency to fully utilize AI in drafting rules. A leaked memo indicated that DOT attorneys were briefed last month on AI's potential to "revolutionize the way we draft rulemakings." The goal is to accelerate the regulatory process, with Zerzan suggesting that AI could produce a draft rule in as little as 20 minutes.
However, the rush to embrace AI raises critical questions. The DOT regulates safety standards across various modes of transportation, including commercial aviation and hazardous materials transport. Relying on AI notorious for "hallucinations" – generating false or misleading information – could have serious consequences.
Speed vs. Quality: A Risky Trade-Off?
Zerzan's remarks, as reported by ProPublica, have fueled concerns about prioritizing speed over quality. "We don't need the perfect rule… we don't even need a very good rule," he reportedly stated, adding, "we want good enough" and that the aim is to "flood the zone." This apparent disregard for regulatory precision is alarming, especially given the potential impact on public safety. As Bridget Dooling, a professor at Ohio State University specializing in administrative law, points out, "Just because these tools can produce a lot of words doesn’t mean that those words add up to a high-quality government decision.”
The administration frames the adoption of AI as a solution to staff shortages. DOT has reportedly experienced a net loss of over 4,000 employees, including more than 100 attorneys, since Trump's second term began. However, experts question whether AI can truly compensate for the experience and judgment of human regulators. Mike Horton, DOT’s former acting chief artificial intelligence officer, likened using Gemini to draft regulations to “having a high school intern that’s doing your rulemaking,” warning that the administration's desire to “go fast and break things” could endanger lives.
The plan to use AI to write federal regulations underscores the ongoing tension between technological innovation and responsible governance. While AI undoubtedly offers the potential to streamline processes and improve efficiency, it's crucial to proceed with caution, particularly in areas where accuracy and reliability are paramount. As the administration moves forward with this initiative, it must prioritize rigorous testing, human oversight, and a commitment to ensuring that AI-generated regulations meet the highest standards of quality and safety.