EPA moves to curb public input on data centers
The Trump administration is proposing changes to federal requirements that would limit public input and information on air pollution permits for industrial facilities, including data centers and their associated power plants. This move aims to make it harder for communities to learn about and weigh in on proposed data center developments before permits are approved and construction begins.
The Trump administration is moving to reduce public participation and transparency in the approval process for air pollution permits for various industrial facilities, notably data centers and their power generation plants. This proposed federal policy change would eliminate a requirement for states to publicize and solicit public input on these permit applications.
Critics argue this move would make it more difficult for communities to obtain information about and voice concerns regarding new data center developments before permits are granted and construction commences. A file photo shows a Meta AI data center under construction in El Paso, Texas, exemplifying the type of project affected by such policy shifts.