U.S. gov't moves to suppress pushback on data centers (www.tomshardware.com)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing a significant transparency overhaul in the approval process for data centers, which could eliminate the requirement for states to seek public feedback on certain air pollution permits. This change, particularly targeting "minor sources" of pollution—such as data centers—has raised concerns among local communities and environmental advocates. They argue that bypassing public input could exacerbate health and environmental issues tied to the growing demand for AI infrastructure, especially as studies reveal substantial health damages linked to existing data centers. By removing the public comment period, the proposal grants states the authority to regulate data centers without mandatory federal oversight, which could lead to inconsistent environmental protections. This move comes amid rising tensions surrounding data center expansions, as evidenced by recent legal challenges from residents in areas like Gilroy, California, and Festus, Missouri, who felt sidelined during the approval processes. With the demand for data centers, fueled by AI technologies, expected to continue rising, many fear that the lack of public discourse and oversight will prioritize rapid construction over community health and ecological safety.