EPA Moves to Drop Public Input on Data Center Air Permits as 12 States Object
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Aug 25
EPA Moves to Drop Public Input on Data Center Air Permits as 12 States Object
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Aug 25
Summary
The EPA plans to scrap a federal rule requiring states to publicize and take comment on air-pollution permit applications for data centers and related power plants.
That change could leave nearby residents unaware of projects until permits are issued and construction begins, limiting chances to challenge emissions or other local impacts.
Nearly 200 advocacy groups and more than a dozen states have opposed the move, making it a new front in the fight over fast-growing AI infrastructure.
Data center developers are increasingly pairing projects with gas-burning power plants to meet heavy electricity demand and avoid pushing up grid costs, intensifying pollution concerns.