EPA move would let data centers skip public air pollution hearings

U.S. gov't moves to suppress pushback on data centers

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to drop a requirement that states solicit public feedback on certain air pollution permits, a change that could ease approval for data centers. The rule, reported by The New York Times, would apply to a subset of permits but is seen as a response to growing local opposition to AI data center construction, as communities seek to delay or ban new projects. States would then decide whether to hold public hearings, potentially silencing residents concerned about pollution.