Trump-era EPA proposes easing disclosure of data center emissions data
The Trump-era EPA proposed a rule change to make disclosure of data center emissions data for "minor sources of pollution" voluntary, shifting decision-making to states and local authorities. This aims to reduce administrative burden but raises concerns among environmental groups about transparency and public opposition. The public comment period has ended, and if approved, the changes may face legal challenges.
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), under the Trump administration, has proposed a significant rule change regarding the public disclosure of pollutant emissions from data centers. The proposed amendment to the Clean Air Act would make it voluntary for states and local authorities to disclose permit data for data centers classified as "minor sources of pollution." This move aims to streamline permit issuance, reduce administrative burdens, and support economic development and energy dominance, according to the EPA, which also stated that state authorities are better informed about local issues.
Environmental and community organizations express strong concerns that this change would drastically reduce transparency in data center construction. Joe Goffman, a former assistant administrator of the EPA Office of Air and Radiation, highlighted that without such disclosures, communities would be unaware of the air quality impacts from new facilities, severely limiting their ability to challenge decisions or publicly oppose projects. Data centers are known to emit nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and heavy metals, often utilizing numerous diesel generators or gas turbines for power and backup.
Critics also argue that large technology companies often exploit existing regulations by submitting separate permit applications for each generator or turbine, effectively classifying them as "minor sources" to avoid stricter federal oversight and instead be regulated by states. While permits for "minor sources" must still adhere to federal limits for six key pollutants linked to various health issues, the proposed rule change would remove the public's right to access this information directly. The public comment period for the draft rule has concluded, and if the EPA proceeds with its formal approval, legal challenges are anticipated.