EPA Proposes Rule Change to Limit Public Input on Data Center Pollution

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is moving to alter a federal rule that currently mandates public notification and comment periods for certain industrial facilities. This proposed change comes as data centers face increasing community opposition regarding their environmental impact.

If enacted, the EPA's plan would make it more difficult for the public to participate in decisions concerning pollution generated by industrial sites, including the rapidly expanding data center sector. This development is occurring while the environmental footprint of the tech industry, particularly its energy and water consumption, is under heightened scrutiny.