New Data Center Chemical Under EPA Review Spurs Groups’ Backlash
A coalition of 17 environmental organizations is urging the EPA to reject a chemical manufacturer's request to produce a new substance intended for data center cooling. This federal review highlights growing environmental concerns about data center chemicals amidst an administration focused on AI growth.
A coalition of 17 environmental organizations has called on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to deny a chemical manufacturer's proposal for a new data center cooling substance. This move reflects increasing community and environmental opposition to data center construction across the U.S., particularly concerning the chemicals used within these facilities, such as refrigerants and anti-corrosives.
The push from environmental groups challenges the current administration's stated commitment to advancing artificial intelligence and the necessary data center infrastructure. As of July 20, the environmental coalition were the sole organizations to submit public comments on the matter.