Federal Rule Change Could Limit Public Notice for Data Center Air Permits in Georgia
Community and environmental advocates in Georgia are warning that a proposed federal rule change by the EPA could eliminate public notice and comment for many air permits, potentially allowing data centers to be built without residents' knowledge. This change could reduce transparency, making it harder for communities to raise concerns about projects, as seen with a past data center project in Newton County that was temporarily halted due to lack of proper permits.
The Environmental Protection Agency is considering a federal rule change that would remove the requirement for public notice and comment on many air permits, a move that environmental and community advocates warn could significantly reduce transparency for data center developments across Georgia. Maurice Carter, president of Sustainable Newton, highlighted the crucial role of public notice in bringing attention to a proposed data center and temporary power generation facility in Newton County. This project was subsequently ordered to cease construction by Georgia’s Environmental Protection Division due to alleged illegal work without proper permits, a success attributed to public engagement facilitated by current permit notice requirements.
Keri Powell, an attorney with the Southern Environmental Law Center, echoed these concerns, stating that eliminating the federal requirement could leave communities unaware of major construction until equipment is already on site. While the EPA claims the proposal does not eliminate public participation entirely, stating states would decide their own processes, advocates fear it would practically lead to less transparency and make Georgia’s state laws the “last line of defense.” Public comment on the EPA proposal is set to conclude on Friday, August 31.