EPA AI data center proposal faces scrutiny -

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed eliminating a federal requirement that mandates states notify the public and seek comment before issuing air pollution permits for industrial facilities, including data centers. Critics, including former EPA official Mike Koerber and environmental advocacy groups like the Southern Environmental Law Center and the Center for Biological Diversity, argue this move would significantly reduce transparency and public participation, potentially allowing data centers and other "minor" pollution sources to secure permits without community input. They contend that many states might not implement their own public notice requirements if the federal mandate is removed, leaving communities "in the dark" about projects.

EPA spokesperson Carolyn Holran countered that the proposal is a "false narrative," stating it merely allows states to choose their permitting process for minor sources and does not alter federal emission standards or weaken environmental protections. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin framed the plan as "cutting unnecessary and burdensome red tape" to advance "cooperative federalism." President Donald Trump, who has championed data centers as crucial for the U.S. in the AI race, also supported the idea of streamlining.

Despite the EPA's stance, a coalition of nearly 200 environmental, health, and community groups has filed comments opposing the plan, emphasizing that communities deserve the opportunity to weigh in on potentially harmful projects. Public concerns about the environmental impacts of AI and data centers, including air pollution, water use, and noise, remain high according to a recent AP-NORC poll.