Data Center Permit Changes

New EPA Proposal Could Eliminate Public Notice Requirements for AI Data Centers

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed a proposal that could make it harder for the public to learn about and comment on proposed artificial intelligence data centers. The proposal would eliminate a federal requirement that states notify the public and seek comment before issuing air pollution permits for data centers and other industrial facilities. States could still offer public comment, but the EPA would not mandate them as a condition for states to grant permits. Critics argue this could deprive local residents from learning about proposed data centers or making their voices heard before projects are approved and construction begins. The move comes amid a backlash as tech giants build server warehouses to fuel artificial intelligence and cloud computing. The EPA's administrator, Lee Zeldin, said the plan is aimed at cutting unnecessary and burdensome red tape and advancing cooperative federalism with states.