EPA proposal could leave the public in the dark on data center plans
A plan by the Environmental Protection Agency could make it harder for the public to learn about and comment on proposed AI data centers that have sparked backlash in communities across the United States and transformed the midterm election landscape.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is considering a proposal that could hinder public awareness and engagement regarding proposed AI data centers. These centers have faced opposition in various American communities and have influenced the midterm elections.
Currently, the EPA mandates that states inform the public and gather feedback before granting air pollution permits for data centers and other industrial facilities. However, the proposed changes would remove this requirement, allowing states to grant permits without public notification or comment. Critics argue that this could prevent local residents from learning about new data centers and participating in the approval process.
The EPA's move is seen as a continuation of the Trump administration's reluctance to prioritize transparency. Mike Koerber, a former EPA deputy director, stated that the proposal contradicts the EPA's commitment to transparency. If approved, the plan may result in communities being uninformed about new data centers and their associated emissions, while other states maintain oversight.
Environmental advocates, such as Keri Powell from the Southern Environmental Law Center, oppose the proposal, emphasizing the importance of community input before permitting potentially harmful projects. Despite this opposition, EPA spokesperson Carolyn Holran maintains that the proposal allows states to choose their permitting process for minor pollution sources like data centers, laundromats, and car repair shops.
The plan aims to reduce bureaucratic obstacles, boost economic growth, and promote collaboration with states in environmental protection.
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, who prioritizes U.S. leadership in AI, stated that the proposal intends to streamline the permitting process and advance cooperative federalism. The EPA anticipates finalizing the rule next year. President Donald Trump remains supportive of data centers, even as critics question their environmental impact and community acceptance.
He believes data centers are essential for the U.S. to compete against China in the AI race. However, environmental groups contend that the EPA's proposal overlooks the significant information gap for communities facing potential data center developments.
Written by urgent.news from Winnipeg Free Press's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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