The ‘time-consuming’ permits dozens of data centers are skipping
A court ruling has narrowed the scope of the Clean Water Act, allowing new data centers to proceed with federal permitting without public input. In Canton, Ohio, a new AI data center is under construction, raising concerns among residents about water and air quality, but its federal permit was issued without public review.
A recent court ruling has significantly reduced the scope of the Clean Water Act, effectively allowing data center developers to bypass traditional federal permitting processes that previously included public review. This change has accelerated the development timeline for new data centers, drawing concerns from communities.
In the suburbs of Canton, Ohio, residents like Krista Meredith were alarmed to discover construction equipment already on site for a new AI data center project. Meredith, a nurse practitioner, expressed concerns regarding the potential impact on water and air quality in the Rust Belt city. Despite a petition signed by hundreds of residents opposing the data center, the sole required federal permit was issued last August, precluding any opportunity for public engagement or input.