EPA proposes changes to Clean Air Act, impacting data center permits
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposes to remove public notice and comment periods for state-level air quality permits, a significant change to the Clean Air Act. This alteration would expedite the review process for new data centers, particularly impacting Georgia, and is criticized by environmental groups like the Sierra Club as anti-democratic and harmful to public health.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing a significant change to the 1973 Clean Air Act, seeking to remove public notice and public comment requirements for state-level air quality permits. This alteration would impact the permitting process for industries, including data centers that utilize diesel generators, by speeding up reviews and reducing public awareness and participation.
Critics, including attorneys from the Sierra Club in Georgia, call the proposal alarming and anti-democratic, arguing that it makes it easier for polluting industries to operate without community oversight. They highlight the health implications, especially for "minor source" data center permits, noting that Georgia has approved more such permits in the last 18 months than in the previous decade combined. Public input has been crucial in past permit processes, preventing facilities from operating earlier.
The public comment period for this proposal is set to end on August 21st. The video suggests checking out related reporting for more details on the Georgia EPD's response, the volume of public comments, and a cumulative study requested by the Sierra Club.