EPA Is Limiting Public Input on Data Centers
The EPA plans to repeal a federal rule requiring public input on air pollution permits for industrial facilities, including data centers, sparking concerns about transparency and community involvement. This move coincides with increasing public opposition to data center developments across the US. A former mayor in Massena, NY, urged protesting residents to consider the economic benefits of proposed data centers.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is planning to repeal a federal rule that mandates states publicize and solicit public comments on air pollution permit applications for various industrial facilities, including new data centers and their associated power plants. This initiative, stemming from the Trump administration, could significantly reduce the ability of residents to raise concerns or even become aware of data center projects before permits are approved and construction commences, as highlighted by The New York Times.
The proposed policy change is emerging at a time of escalating local opposition to data centers nationwide. Recent polling by Heatmap Pro indicates a substantial increase in public disapproval, with three-quarters of Americans now opposing data centers built near their homes. The article provides an example from Massena, an Upstate New York town, where a former mayor appealed to residents protesting a proposed facility to consider the economic advantages data centers could bring, particularly for communities facing aging infrastructure and population decline. He emphasized that these facilities are being constructed elsewhere and urged an open-minded approach to expert information.