In an unprecedented move that could forever change the landscape of federal regulation, the Trump administration has announced plans to employ artificial intelligence, specifically Google Gemini, to draft transportation regulations. This shift towards AI-driven governance was first revealed by ProPublica, sparking a mixture of intrigue and concern across the nation.

The Department of Transportation (DOT), under the guidance of General Counsel Gregory Zerzan, appears to be embracing a less conventional approach to rulemaking. Zerzan's philosophy, as reported, is centered around achieving "good enough" rather than perfect or very good regulations. This strategy, according to Zerzan, aligns with the administration's broader tactic of "flooding the zone" — overwhelming the system with actions to stymie opposition, a method previously endorsed by Steve Bannon.

Critics of the plan, including Mike Horton, former acting chief artificial intelligence officer at the DOT, have voiced serious concerns. Horton likened the use of Gemini for rule drafting to "having a high school intern that’s doing your rulemaking," underscoring the potential risks associated with entrusting AI with tasks that have life-or-death implications for public safety.

Nevertheless, proponents argue that AI can streamline the complex process of translating technical information into clear, comprehensible regulations. In a world where legal deference to agency expertise is waning, clarity in rulemaking has become paramount. AI could potentially aid in drafting precise rules devoid of ambiguities, enhancing understanding and compliance.

However, the underlying motives of the Trump administration have been met with skepticism. The rapid production of regulatory texts by AI, while efficient, raises questions about the quality and integrity of the output. It's feared that this approach might lead to a dilution of safety standards, with potentially hazardous consequences.

Furthermore, even if AI succeeds in producing a high volume of regulatory drafts, these still have to undergo the traditional processes mandated by the Administrative Procedures Act, including public notice, comment, and potential judicial review. This could result in significant legal pushback, clogging up the courts with lawsuits aimed at untangling hastily drafted regulations.

Amidst these developments, legal experts and industry watchers are gearing up for a tumultuous period. As the DOT attempts to implement this novel approach, the true efficacy and consequences of AI-written regulations will unfold. The move could either be seen as a pioneering effort to modernize federal rulemaking or a reckless gamble jeopardizing public safety.

For more insights into this developing story, read the detailed report by ProPublica on the Trump administration's plan to let AI draft transportation regulations [here](https://www.propublica.org/article/trump-artificial-intelligence-google-gemini-transportation-regulations).