New EPA rules mean polluting US data centers can now keep their output secret from neighbors
- 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.
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.
EPA says the change would reduce administrative burdens...
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