Trump EPA aims to exempt datacenters from disclosing air pollution, advocates warn

The Trump administration has proposed a new rule that would exempt datacenters from disclosing air pollution information, according to public health advocates. This move could allow the facilities to receive emission permits without any public notification, potentially leading to increased pollution without oversight. Datacenters are significant sources of pollutants such as nitrogen oxide, which contributes to the formation of ozone, carbon monoxide, and heavy metals.

The Clean Air Act typically requires minor air polluters, like datacenters, to disclose their proposed pollution levels to the public. However, the proposed rule would make this disclosure voluntary, putting the decision in the hands of state and local officials. Critics argue that this change undermines the Clean Air Act's promise of public involvement in environmental decision-making.

Environmental law experts warn that without this information, communities will have less ability to fight against datacenters and will be less aware of the air they breathe. The move comes as datacenters continue to proliferate due to the growth of artificial intelligence. Developers frequently apply for minor pollution source permits for generators and backup power systems, which are subject to state review.

The EPA delegates the monitoring of these minor sources to states, while major polluters like gas plants are subject to federal oversight. Critics argue that the proposed rule is an attempt to reduce transparency and administrative burden, potentially favoring states competing for datacenter investment and leading to less stringent emissions limits.