Clermont Co. leader tapped to chair group advising U.S. EPA on AI, data centers
Clermont County Commissioner David Painter has been appointed to chair the U.S. EPA's Local Government Advisory Committee, which will advise the agency on challenges local governments face in siting and developing data centers. The committee will address concerns such as environmental impact, water usage, and appropriate zoning for these facilities. This initiative aims to guide federal policy on data center development across the nation.
Clermont County Commissioner David Painter has been selected to chair the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Local Government Advisory Committee (LGAC). This committee is tasked with advising the EPA on the challenges local governments face in the siting and development of artificial intelligence infrastructure and data centers. The revitalized committee, which had been largely inactive, will hold its first meeting on September 25.
Painter, with 40 years of experience in the environmental industry, emphasized the importance of responsible environmental planning for data center projects, including upfront consideration of waste disposal. He noted that many communities resist data centers in areas suitable for revitalization and highlighted concerns about water usage, suggesting closed cooling systems as a solution. He also indicated that the committee would discuss the noise produced by data centers.
The Commissioner advocates for local control in data center placement, suggesting industrial brownfields or sites with deed restrictions as potential locations. He stressed that development agreements must benefit the local community and school systems. While acknowledging Ohio's efforts to attract businesses, Painter sees his role as guiding the federal EPA on managing data center waste and environmental impact. He also intends to bring up the issue of Coal Combustion Residuals (CCR) for discussion, referencing Clermont County's experience with the former Walter C. Beckjord Generating Station.