EPA Proposal Could Eliminate Public Comment on Air Pollution Permits for Data Centers

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has put forth a proposal that could remove a federal requirement for states to notify the public and seek comment before issuing air pollution permits for data centers and other industrial facilities. Critics argue this move would reduce transparency and hinder local residents from voicing concerns about proposed projects, potentially leading to increased pollution-related health risks. The proposal comes amidst a rapid expansion of AI data centers across the U.S.