Critics warn EPA proposal could weaken Texans' voice on air pollution permits
A proposed change to a federal EPA rule could eliminate public input on "minor" air pollution permits in Texas, including those for data centers' power generators. Environmental groups and critics warn this would weaken Texans' ability to influence local air pollution levels. The EPA states the change aims to streamline processes and give states more flexibility.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed a rule change that could remove federal requirements for public input on "minor" air pollution permits, impacting facilities like concrete batch plants, rock crushers, and power projects fueling data centers in Texas.
Environmental groups, including Public Citizen and Sierra Club, are warning that this change would significantly undermine Texans' ability to weigh in on air pollution permits, particularly given the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality's (TCEQ) historical track record. Kathryn Guerra, campaign director at Public Citizen, stated that the TCEQ consistently limits public transparency and meaningful input.
Currently, communities receive notifications and can request hearings before permits are granted. Critics like Cyrus Reed, the Texas legislative and conservation director of the Sierra Club, argue this proposal would eliminate their right to address concerns about pollution sources, including data centers, that impact neighborhoods and air quality.
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin defended the proposal, stating it aims to streamline processes and cut "unnecessary and burdensome red tape" while giving states more leeway. However, the proposed change allows states to define their own public input processes, and critics note that the TCEQ was faulted in 2023 for breaking public participation promises. The EPA will hold a virtual hearing on July 22 and accept public comments until August 21.