New EPA rules mean polluting US data centers can now keep their output secret from neighbors

Date:
Thu, 27 Aug 2026 20:25:00 +0000

Description:
EPA wants states to control public notice for minor pollution permits as data center construction expands and community concerns increase.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter EPA wants states to decide whether residents receive pollution permit notices Data centers could face less public scrutiny under the proposed changes Minor pollution permits would no longer require federally mandated public notice A newly proposed rule from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would eliminate federal requirements for public notice on many minor pollution permits.

The change specifically concerns so-called minor New Source Review permits issued under the Clean Air Act framework across the country. Critics argue
the shift could let power-hungry data centers avoid scrutiny while running on-site gas turbines near residential neighbourhoods. Latest Videos From TechRadar Watch full video here: State regulators would gain control over public notice Under the proposal, state and local air quality authorities would decide whether communities are told about new pollution sources.

This would replace a long-standing federal requirement that mandated advance disclosure and public comment periods for minor-source industrial air
permits. You may like Bill to permanently ban AI data centers from federal lands introduced to Congress As data center worries grow, here is every US state which is fighting back against new buildings Trump warns communities opposed to data centers are making a mistake but Texas Gov. Greg Abbott says data centers got the backlash they deserve

EPA says the change would reduce administrative burdens while allowing authorities closer to affected communities to decide appropriate public participation requirements.

The agency also says existing pollution standards would remain applicable, meaning the proposal does not itself remove emission limits. Are you a pro? Subscribe to our newsletter Sign up to the TechRadar Pro newsletter to get
all the top news, opinion, features and guidance your business needs to succeed! Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting
your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

However, the Environmental Protection Network (EPN), a group formed by former EPA employees, has formally opposed this proposed rule change in public comments.

By eliminating the long-standing federal requirement for public notice, this proposal continues efforts by the current administration to turn its back on the fundamental EPA principle of transparency, said Mike Koerber, a former deputy director of EPAs Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards.

He argued that the change shows a wider retreat from the agency's own transparency commitments made publicly earlier this year. What to read next Amazon's new Texas AI data center could become the biggest CO2 polluter in
the US 200 US utility firms join Trump electricity pledge not to pass on energy price rises to customers Trump hits back at New York's data center
ban, says rule should change 'immediately'

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said "the public must be able to trust our
work," and he called for the fullest possible public participation in our decision making.

Nevertheless, critics claim that the new proposal directly contradicts that same memorandum's earlier promise to maximize citizen input in all agency decisions. Data center pollution debate intensifies amid AI boom This debate arrives as data center construction accelerates rapidly nationwide, driven largely by demand tied to artificial intelligence development.

Developers often choose on-site gas turbines for power instead of waiting years for traditional utility grid connections to become available.

These turbines can emit nitrogen oxides along with several other pollutants, raising real air quality concerns among residents living near new facilities.

A recent Gallup survey found that more than 70% of Americans would oppose a similar facility near their own home.

Despite that opposition, the Trump administration has continued backing data center expansion, with Trump linking the industry to lower taxes.

Taxes are going to go way down because this is a tremendous source of income, said President Donald Trump.

He made those remarks after criticizing a decision by Texas officials to temporarily halt new approvals letting data centers connect to the power
grid.

The EPA did not immediately respond to a detailed request for comment regarding the proposed changes described in this report.

Administrator Zeldin, however, reiterated that authorities closer to each region are better suited to judge local water, air, and electricity conditions.

Via The Register Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds.



======================================================================
Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/pro/new-epa-rules-mean-polluting-us-data-centers-can -now-keep-their-output-secret-from-neighbours


--- Mystic BBS v1.12 A49 (Linux/64)
* Origin: tqwNet Technology News (1337:1/100)