The EPA is moving to eliminate a decades-old federal requirement that developers publicly notify and take comment from communities before receiving air pollution permits under New Source Review. The agency would shift that responsibility to individual states, which advocates fear may choose not to require public notice at all. Critics say the change would let data center builders and other industrial developers start construction with little or no warning to nearby residents.
theverge.com
· 2026-08-28
The EPA is drafting a rule change that would eliminate the requirement for states to collect public feedback before issuing air pollution permits for so-called 'minor source' facilities, a category that includes data centers, landfills, laundromats, and steel mills. The move comes as communities increasingly use public hearings to challenge AI data center construction over air quality and health concerns. Attorneys general from 14 states and three cities have signed a letter opposing the change, arguing that minor sources can still cause serious health and environmental harm.
tomshardware.com
· 2026-08-26
The EPA has proposed amending the 1970 Clean Air Act to remove the 30-day public comment window required before construction begins on facilities classified as 'minor sources' of industrial pollution. The change would allow projects, including many AI data centers, to move forward with less advance public scrutiny.
gizmodo.com
· 2026-08-25
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