Federal Agencies Promote Data Center Development on Superfund Sites
The article discusses the potential for developing data centers on contaminated Brownfield and Superfund sites across the U.S., citing Chris Barnard of the American Conservation Coalition who argues it's a 'win-win' for communities, environment, and developers. Federal initiatives, including an Energy Department partnership with NextEra Energy for a data center campus at the former Paducah nuclear site in Kentucky, are advancing this idea.
Chris Barnard, president of the conservative American Conservation Coalition, advocates for developing data centers on Brownfield and Superfund sites, which are environmentally contaminated properties. Barnard argues that this approach would remediate unused land while addressing the growing demand for data centers, creating a 'win-win' for communities, the environment, and developers.
The U.S. administration has taken steps to accelerate data center development on these sites. The Energy Department recently announced a partnership with NextEra Energy and other companies to transform the Paducah Site, a former nuclear facility and Superfund site in Kentucky, into a data center campus. Additionally, President Donald Trump issued an executive order directing the EPA to identify suitable contaminated properties for data center development, with the agency subsequently releasing guidance for companies and communities.
Walter Mugdan, former EPA Region 2 Deputy Regional Administrator, notes that while these sites should be considered, their suitability varies based on cleanup status, contamination levels, and access to energy. He also highlighted that new owners might be legally obligated to contribute to cleanup costs, potentially securing a Prospective Purchaser Agreement (PPA) with the EPA to limit liability. Barnard suggests providing Good Samaritan liability protections to developers voluntarily cleaning up sites.